Kildare court defendant seen laughing as he is called ‘a bully’

A Naas District Court defendant could be seen laughing to himself when he was accused of being 'a bully.'

The accusation was made by his partner, according to gardaí who were present in during the in-camera (in private) court session on Thursday, January 4 last.

The defendant, who hails from County Kildare, appeared before Judge Desmond Zaidan and was charged with an alleged breach of a domestic violence protection order.

A garda who was sworn in told the judge that they arrested him for the breach: he claimed that the accused had gone out shopping with his partner, when they became involved in an argument with one another.

He allegedly became abusive to his partner during the argument and 'followed her through the town.'

The man later turned up to her home and began verbally abusing her there, and also attempted to kick down a door on her property.

It was heard that they have children together.

When Judge Zaidan asked the garda if the couple had gotten back together, the garda replied: "No," and the man could be seen laughing.

When the judge asked what the alleged motive behind the argument and alleged breaches of the order were, the garda replied that the woman said that the man 'was a bully.'

The man could again be seen laughing to himself upon hearing this.

Defending solicitor Tim Kennelly told the Judge that his client does in fact live with his partner, and is contesting her version of events.

When it was heard that gardaí had no objection to bail being granted for the accused, Judge Zaidan remanded the man on continuing bail until the case resumes for hearing on April 18.

He also asked Mr Kennelly to explain conditions of the protection order to his client.

If you have been affected by this article, you can find resources to help you by contacting Women's Aid at 1800 341 900 or emailing helpline@womensaid.ie, or Men's Aid by ringing 01 554 3811 or emailing hello@mensaid.ie.

Additionally, you can find resources to help you by emailing Samaritans Ireland at jo@samaritans.ie, or by ringing 116 123.