'Bully' gets unexpected chance at Kildare court
Naas Courthouse
A MAN who pursued a protracted campaign of stalking against his ex was told the charges against him would be struck out at his next appearance if the state couldn’t progress the prosecution against him.
The man who can’t be named to protect the identity of his ex-partner is most recently alleged to have broken into her apartment, damaged her TV, stolen her phone and assaulted her on 4 May, for which he was arrested and refused bail.
Last year he was arrested after he followed her through the town of Newbridge, shouting abuse at her, and forcing her to seek refuge in Aldi by asking staff for help, in a hearing in which she described the defendant as “a bully”.
Solicitor Tim Kennelly conceded his client “has been refused bail here (Naas District Court) and in the High Court last Tuesday”.
“Were there strict bail conditions offered?” asked Judge Desmond Zaidan.
“Unfortunately not, because he would’ve abided by these,” said Mr Kennelly.
“This case is in today for direction (from the DPP) which I don’t have, but the file is gone (to the State Prosecutor’s office),” said Sergeant Dave Hanrahan.
“This allegation of violence against his ex-partner is completely denied, and I have a number of (text) messages between the pair,” offered Mr Kennelly.
“I would be seeking a strike out on these charges, because they’re relying on the strength of evidence in the bail application, but that is all,” revealed the solicitor.
“If I remand in custody for 28 days will your client consent if I mark it pre-emptory against the State (meaning no further adjournments)?” asked the judge.
Mr Kennelly then explained this to his client on the big screen, and the defendant replied: “Work away, yeah.”
The judge ruled as outlined and adjourned the case until 3 July.
