Man accused of putting ex-partner in fear ordered to hand over house key to gardaí

Accused allegedly entered woman's family home with a key and refused to return it and  refused to leave, and smashed her phone when she tried to call gardaí

Defendant was released on bail to appear again on July 29. File picture: Larry Cummins

A 48-year-old calling unannounced to his ex-partner’s home putting her in fear handed over his key of the house to the investigating garda at Cork District Court.

Garda Cathal McCarthy arrested the defendant and brought him before an in-camera hearing of Cork District Court to deal with the case under the Domestic Violence Act.

The background to the case is that he allegedly entered her family home with a key and refused to return it and he refused to leave, and he remained there from 10pm on July 12 to 5pm on July 13.

It is alleged when his ex-partner took out her mobile phone to call gardaí he took it from her and damaged it beyond repair.

She alleges he puts her in fear when he calls unannounced, Garda McCarthy testified.

Defence solicitor Shane Collins-Daly said the accused had no previous convictions and this was the first time that there was an alleged breach by him of the domestic order.

Garda McCarthy said his application was to remand the defendant in custody.

Sergeant John Kelleher said if the accused got bail it would have to be on strict conditions.

Judge Mary Dorgan said to the accused: “You cannot go near the house. You cannot contact her.” The judge added only respectful text communication in relation to child access arrangements was permissible.

Judge Dorgan directed the accused man should hand the key of his ex-partner’s house to Garda McCarthy. This was done as the defendant was released on bail to appear again on July 29.