Woman doesn’t want to be there when order served on ex-partner, Kildare court hears
Photo for illustrative purposes only
A WOMAN who was so frightened of her still co-habiting ex-partner wanted to know when her interim protection order would be served because “I don’t know if I want to be there when it’s served”.
The obviously anxious woman told Judge Nicola Jane Andrews: “He’s texted me there just now. He said the skip is coming today for all my stuff,” she said holding up her message.
“I am sorry for your troubles,” Judge Andrews consoled.
“We live in social housing, but we’ve been separated a long time,” explained the woman. “He moved out, but when he threatened suicide, I let him move back. He sleeps on the couch, and I sleep in the bedroom.
“He is just so unpredictable, I am absolutely terrified of him,” she testified.
“Is he the father of your children?” asked Judge Andrews.
“Yes,” confirmed the appellant.
“I’m going to grant this protection order, and I’m going to direct An Garda Síochána to serve him,” ruled Judge Andrews.
“When?” asked the woman in the witness box. “I don’t know if I want to be there when he’s served,” she shook her head.
The judge told her to speak to the court garda to ascertain when this might be and advised her: “I suggest you take a photo of this order and keep it on your phone”, as a form of quick reference for if and when she might have to call in the gardaí.
Once again, Judge Andrews adjourned a full hearing in this case back to 22 February.
