Woman faced decades of abuse, Kildare court hears
Photo for illustrative purposes only
A WOMAN who has allegedly put up with coercive control across decades of marriage and said she was in fear for her life, was granted a new protection order in court last week.
“Why do you need protection?” was Judge Desmond Zaidan’s first question in a closed courtroom.
“After (decades) of marriage I tried to get reconciled after a lifetime of coercive control.
“I tried to follow all the orders but he has destroyed all my life.
“I’ve been in communication with a detective in Naas … but even our adult children’s lives have been destroyed … I looked after all the education.
“I’m in fear for my life, and I’m at rock bottom.
“I’ve done all the things you said (at a previous hearing), but when I got home he was behind the door with our (child),” she said.
“You got a safety order, adjourned until 14 December,” noted the judge.
“That has been dealt with, settled,” she said.
“Your sworn statement is long and complex,” noted the judge.
“It is true and accurate,” said the woman.
“He breached the previous protection order, and has a court date in December,” she said.
“He gave you undertakings, and broke every one of them.
“He hid my passport, he has control of the CCTV and is always watching.
“He has maligned my character, said I assaulted him.”
“I will give you a new protection order, and if he breaches this and gardaí object to bail, I will send him to jail before his trial,” ruled Judge Zaidan.
“Can I have stipulations on the order?” asked the woman.
“This covers everything, so if he does anything that puts you in fear that puts him in breach this Order,” said the judge, before adjourning the case for a full hearing to be heard on 8 March.
