Victim asks for man not to go to jail, Limerick court hears
A WOMAN doesn’t want a man who breached three safety orders to go to jail but a judge said she is “not the one sitting on the bench”.
The matter was held “in camera” which prohibits publication of material that could lead the public to identify any of the parties involved in such proceedings.
Michael O’Donnell, solicitor for the defendant, said his client accepts he is a pest.
Garda Niall McInerney gave evidence that there were three separate breaches of a safety order within four or five weeks.
A safety order is an order of the court which prohibits the abusive person (the respondent) from committing further violence or threats of violence.
Garda McInerney said the accused drinks heavily. Judge Patricia Harney said people who are consuming large amounts of alcohol are “careless”. A victim impact statement from the complainant was handed into the judge.
Judge Harney said the victim doesn’t want him (defendant) to go to prison but she is “not the one sitting on the bench”.
“There are three breaches. He is very much in peril (at risk of going to jail),” said Judge Harney, who asked for a report from the Probation Service on the accused.
“It is very much in your interest to get a positive report. If I get a report telling me you did not comply or there are any other breaches you are looking at a prison sentence despite the victim’s request,” said Judge Harney.
The accused was remanded on continuing bail with liberty for the State to reapply if he is not co-operating.
“You are getting a lifeline,” said Judge Harney to the defendant.