15 month sentence for Kildare man's 'appalling and cowardly' behaviour

A MAN who breached a protection order twice, and assaulted the subject of the order – the mother of his children – all on the same day, was sentenced to a total of 15 months in prison in Naas District Court last week (22 January).

“Two breaches and an assault on the same day (5 May, 2025)?” said a mildly incredulous judge on first glance of the charges being faced by the man in the dock, who can’t be named to protect the identity of the injured party.

The man appeared in court from custody where he is serving a sentence for a previous breach of the Protection Order against the same woman until 6 December 2026.

“The defendant met his ex-partner at a neutral location to discuss the care of their children. The met at Lidl in (named town),” said investigating officer Garda Declan Byrne.

“He became agitated and pushed her, in front of their son.

“He left, and then came back to her in her car just when she thought she was safe and threw items of her from the car out onto the street, forcing members of the public to intervene.

“Later that evening at her home address, she heard a knock at her front door, and when she opened it thinking it might be her daughter it was (the defendant).

“She threatened to call the gardaí, and he left.” “Is there a victim impact statement?” asked Judge Desmond Zaidan.

“Yes. She was here earlier, but had to leave to collect one of the children,” said Garda Byrne.

“She was willing to keep the relationship alive for the kids,” said Garda Byrne.

“As lovers, or parents?” asked the judge.

“Just as parents. She has taken the kids up to visit their father in prison,” said Garda Byrne.

As the man was pleading guilty, the court learned that he had seven previous convictions, three of them breaches of orders, two of assault, against the same woman.

“The mother of his kids? That is really cowardly,” noted the judge.

“And she still wants him to have a relationship with the children.

“That shows the quality of the woman – irrespective of what she’s been through.” “My client has paid the price for his inexcusable behaviour, and has been sentenced to 17 months in jail,” said defending solicitor David Powderley.

“He is very approachable when sober … and he didn’t appeal this sentence (he’s now serving), and he would still be under prohibitions following his release,” explained Mr Powderley.

“Has he got the appropriate treatment he needs in prison?” asked the judge.

“No therapy, just medication for the alcoholism … this man has learned his lesson, and I would plead with you, judge, not to extend his sentence,” asked Mr Powderley.

“This is really horrendous, with most of his convictions relating to the one person – the mother of his kids!” commented the judge.

“Two more breaches and yet, she still wants him to have a rapport with her children.

“Sometimes the mind boggles.

“I am trying to balance the mindset between good and bad … but the way he treats the mother of his children is appalling, cowardly and embarrassing.

“Everybody in court can see the difference in quality between them – one represents goodness, and the other bad.

“I’m told prison authorities can offer you therapy for domestic violence.

“It’s up to him, or he’ll just do this again, and again, and again.” The judge then sentenced the man to a further 11 months in prison for the breach of the order in Lidl, and then to a consecutive four months for the assault, all to be served from the date of court, thus pushing his release date back to 22 April 2027.

“I have been very good to him, but this is appalling. I would have serious concerns for the safety of this woman,” concluded the judge.