Judge disproves of camera in kitchen at Kildare court
Photo for illustrative purposes only
“SO no peace has broken out?” asked the judge sadly in a closed session of family law hearings as an estranged husband and wife who had each taken out protection orders against the other were called.
“No judge. Cross allegations between a husband and wife,” explained Sergeant Dave Hanrahan at a recent sitting of Athy District Court.
The wife had alleged that he had grabbed her by the neck during an disagreement at the family home in Newbridge in October last year, while he alleged she had grabbed his phone from his hand during the same argument.
Speaking for the husband, solicitor Tim Kennelly alleged that the wife had installed CCTV cameras in the home since the allegation, and demanded that they be removed.
“They still live in the same house? That’s very sad,” said Judge Desmond Zaidan.
“My client is the one in fear,” said her solicitor Dave Powderly.
“She alleges she needs the camera for her own safety?” the judge guessed.
“Only in the kitchen. He’s always throwing out my food,” said the woman.
“No cameras. That’s what the guards are for, you have a protection order,” ruled the judge.
“The allegations are that he is interfering with her food,” said Mr Powderly.
“I’ve no reason not to believe you need the camera for your own safety, but the other side doesn’t want it. We’ll only find out at a full hearing,” added the judge.
“What happens if he throws out my food again?” asked the wife.
“Hopefully, that won’t happen, but if it does you must report it to the guards,” said the judge.
“If he does, how do I prove it?” she asked to no reply, as the judge adjourned the dispute until 5 February 2026 for that full hearing.
