TRIAL | 

Dublin man went to partner’s home with Stanley blade to ‘intimidate’ her ahead of domestic violence hearing

The man in his 30s, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, appeared before Judge Michele Finan at a weekend sitting of Dublin District Court

Today at 07:46

A Dublin man “showed up” at his partner’s home with a Stanley blade to “intimidate” her ahead of his trial for breaking domestic violence laws.

The man in his 30s, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, appeared before Judge Michele Finan at a weekend sitting of Dublin District Court.

He was accused of an offence under section 33 of the Domestic Violence Act for contravening the terms of a protection order his partner had taken against him.

The court heard he arrived at the woman’s Dublin home on Saturday but was arrested by gardaí who believed “he showed up to the address and was aggressive to intimidate witnesses”.

The court heard he allegedly had a Stanley blade on him when he went to the house.

The arresting garda added that he was already awaiting a hearing in the District Court for similar offences.

Defence solicitor Andrew Walsh said his client was pleading for bail and would stay away from the property, reside at an alternative address, and have no contact with witnesses.

Voicing concerns, the arresting garda said, “I believe he is likely to breach it again; it is the third breach of the order.”

The offence carries a possible 12-month sentence, and he has still to enter a plea to the charge.

Judge Finan held that while it was a serious alleged incident, it was a district court matter which did not come under the provisions of the Bail Act as a ground to refuse bail. He also had the presumption of innocence.

The accused was warned to obey the conditions and ordered to appear again later this month. The judge ordered the latest charge to join the matters before the court.

His case resumes later this month.

Legal aid was granted.