Kildare woman granted protection from daughter
Photo for illustrative purposes only
A WOMAN who has been caring for her young granddaughter since birth has been granted a protection order against her addicted daughter who is seeking to regain custody.
From the witness box during a closed session of Naas District Court the appellant told the court that her daughter “has a long history of drug abuse … (and) her daughter has lived with me since she was born”.
“She’d be gone for weeks and months at time and we haven’t seen her now since 24 May last year,” said the grandmother.
“Now she’s basically saying she can come and take her daughter.
“I know I haven’t the rights yet, but I am seeking (formal) custody.
“The papers were served on her and she’s not happy.
“She arrived down at our house with her [named boyfriend] and he has a criminal record for drugs and assault.
“Can the mother not mind her?” asked Judge Desmond Zaidan.
“She never really had the interest since day one,” replied the appellant grandmother.
“No motherly instinct?” asked the judge.
“None. Never. It’s very sad, because she’s a beautiful child,” she replied.
“She says she’s clean, but she’s told us this before.
“Cocaine and ketamine. She had been in a pretty bad state.
“There were times when she was supposed to collect her girl from school, and she just wouldn’t turn up.
“She can be unpredictable and nasty,” she said.
“Okay. I will grant the protection order,” said the judge, and adjourned the full hearing on it until 8 December, when the daughter will have her right to reply.
The grandmother then asked the judge what is the best way to ensure custody.
The judge reluctantly told the woman that he cannot give advice from the bench, and advised she seek counsel from Jacqui McManus, which she then did.
