Posted by Updated / Wednesday, 28 Jan 2026 07:40
A man broke down in court as he pleaded guilty to coercive control of his partner for three and a half years.
The accused, who in his 40s, and who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before Judge Keenan Johnson at Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court.
A jury was about to be empanelled for his trial, but Senior Counsel for the defence Dara Foynes informed the judge that the jury was no longer required.
The man replied “guilty” as the charge was put to him.
The charge was under section 39 of the Domestic Violence Act for controlling and coercive behaviour from 1 January 2019 until 18 July 2022, which would have had a serious effect on the woman.
Following a defence application, the judge said strict reporting restrictions apply and that nothing may be published that could identify the parties, who have children of vulnerable ages.
He stressed that it included the occupation of the accused or anything that would lead to speculation in the community.
He adjourned a case for sentencing until May, when the prosecution’s evidence will be outlined. There were no objections to bail.
Judge Johnson also mandated the preparation of a victim impact statement.
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