Kildare woman locked herself and children into bedroom after partner broke into her home, court told

A woman locked herself and her children into an upstairs room after her partner broke into her home, it was claimed at Naas District Court.

It was also claimed that the incident occurred at an address in Kilcock on January 5.

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Garda Conor Leahy told of arresting the defendant at the address and he made no reply.

Gda Leahy said the gardai received a 999 call to go to the address and another while on the way there.

He said the defendant got into the dwelling by breaking a window in the front door - causing €500 worth of damage - and the garda had to enter the same way because the door was locked.

The garda said there was a hole in an inside wall about the same size as a fist, furniture was thrown around and some Christmas decorations were on the ground.

The garda said he noticed the defendant had cuts to his hands when he was arrested and he objected to bail because he feared the defendant would commit other offences.

Gda Leahy said this was a completely unprovoked incident and the defendant is on medication for depression and ADHD.

He said the defendant had spent some time in rehab and he feared he would not turn up in court.

Gda Leahy said the woman, the defendant’s ex-partner, was "fairly distraught” though he agreed he did not witness the events.

Defending solicitor David Powderly said the woman had "freely allowed” the defendant back into the house and the defendant’s personal effects are in the dwelling.

Mr Powderly said the defendant was sober for 17 weeks - the longest in some considerable time and “he’s genuine in his attempts to deal with his alcohol issue.”

He said the defendant would stay away from that address and reside in a mobile home on lands owned by a family member where he was required to feed cattle because no other family members were available to do so. He added the defendant missed a family trip to Disneyland because he was in custody. He also said the man’s partner would say he is a good father and  is there for the children.

The defendant told the court he was in the Cuan Mhuire rehab setting for three months, completing a treatment programme, and this was the longest he was ever sober. He also said he is going to AA meetings and attending an after care programme.

He also said he had been "showing up" for the children and attending their activities, such as sports events.

“She doesn’t want me around with drink; I’m not a nice person when I’m drinking,” he said.

He denied breaking the window.

Judge Desmond Zaidan said what worried him was the Jekyll and Hyde nature of the defendant which can manifest itself “in a matter of a split second.” The judge said he had serious concerns for the children when the defendant is under the influence of alcohol or alcohol with illicit drugs.

“Once you fall off the wagon you become a different person. I don’t need her to come in and tell me she is afraid, most of us would be,” the judge added.

He said the defendant had gone on “a rampage” adding ”you became a monster.”

Judge Zaidan said if bodycam footage was available he would show it to the defendant, who has 48 previous convictions.

The judge also said he has known the defendant, who is now in his mid 30s, since he was 13 and “I tried to help him start adult life without a conviction.”

He imposed an 11 months custody term, backdated to January 6.

He initially refused to bail, saying that the objections were well founded and initially adjourned the matter.