Man trailed ex wife while she went shopping

A man who put his wife in fear by following her when she went shopping was given a suspended jail sentence yesterday.

Judge Con O’Leary said the experience must have been particularly frightening for her in light of the fact the defendant had a previous conviction for assault causing harm to someone.

Defence solicitor Elaine O’Sullivan said Mark Dorgan, aged 42, of 186 Pearse Rd, Ballyphehane, Cork, had no previous convictions for any offence of domestic violence.

He pleaded guilty to contravening a protection order by putting Marie Dorgan in fear by following her around the Blackpool area of Cork City and up to Mayfield Garda Station.

Insp Pat Meaney said Dorgan followed his wife when she sent shopping on Aug 8. He also made some comment to his wife on that occasion, the inspector said.

“She went to Mayfield Garda Station to make a complaint. She said she was in a state of fear at the time.”

Ms O’Sullivan said the couple separated three years ago and that he had been sober and clean of intoxicants for the past 12 years.

“He is accepting responsibility but he alleged she stuck up a finger to him. He said that he was going to the Garda station also but that she got there first,” she said.

She said the protection order was only issued the day before this incident and that he was not aware of it at the time of the offence.

Insp Meaney said the defendant’s convictions included one for assault causing harm and another for producing an article in the course of a dispute.

Judge O’Leary said: “I would be a bit concerned with someone of his convictions following her around the place.”

The judge imposed a six-month suspended jail sentence.