Woman (46) allegedly harassed former lover, Kildare court hears
Naas Courthouse
A WOMAN, whose alleged campaign of harassment after an affair was so severe it caused the closure of a business, is to be sent for trial in the circuit court.
Suzanne Walsh (46) with an address at Maybury Lodge, Brittas, was in Naas District Court on two sample charges of harassment, following her alleged campaign over a period of 16 months.
“There are 30 allegations of harassment over this period between 8 January 2023 and 29 May 2024,” said investigating Garda Denis Kelly.
“Like what?” asked Judge Desmond Zaidan.
“It is alleged the defendant would approach the residence of the injured party (a location on the Kildare/Wicklow border), she’d walk around looking in,” said Garda Kelly.
“Why would she do this?” asked the judge.
“This lady had an (alleged) affair with one of the injured parties, and when that came to an end, the obsession came out,” said Garda Kelly.
“What’s the state alleging? ‘Fatal Attraction’?” mused the judge, recalling the famous 80s movie about stalking and harassment.
“The injured party used to run a shop in the village, and the (alleged) harassment led to the closure of the shop,” said Garda Kelly.
“My client is denying whatever they’re saying, and is still presumed innocent, yet all that has been said is going to be made public,” protested defending solicitor Tim Kennelly.
Judge Zaidan accepted Mr Kennelly’s position but added: “I will refuse (jurisdiction) because I’m satisfied the accumulation of these (allegations) are not minor”.
Mr Kennelly then sought to amend his client’s bail conditions that required she stay out of the injured party’s village, but Inspector Bobby Feery vigorously protested.
Judge Zaidan reminded Mr Kennelly he had every right to make an application to the court to make such amendment to bail but then remanded Ms Walsh on continuing bail - under existing conditions – until 26 February for her book of evidence, and her circuit court date.
