Cork woman claims ex put her in fear by clapping and shouting at her outside court

The man's solicitor described it as a minor incident being alleged, but the judge said she did not see it as minor in view of the fact that it related to a courthouse

The alleged incident, involving the 56-year-old defendant, occurred on February 27 where the complainant said he shouted at her and began clapping his hands in Washington Street courthouse, putting her in fear, in breach of a safety order. File picture: David Creedon / Anzenberger

A woman with a safety order against her ex-partner was put in fear when he shouted at her and clapped his hands when he saw her at a courthouse, it was alleged in a court case in Cork on Tuesday.

Garda Alan O’Connell said that the gardaí were opposed to bail being granted to the accused who was arrested and brought before Cork District Court on a charge of being in breach of a safety order.

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, submitted that it was a suitable case for bail on conditions.

Garda O’Connell testified that the applicant came to the public office of a garda station complaining of the breach. She said he was shouting and clapping his hands at her. 

Mr Buttimer described it as a minor incident being alleged. However, Judge Mary Dorgan said she did not see it as minor in view of the fact that it related to a courthouse.

Mr Buttimer said both parties had legitimate reason to be in the courthouse at Washington Street in Cork on the day.

After hearing the evidence, Judge Dorgan agreed to grant bail but warned the defendant: “You were not to have any contact with this lady. There is to be no contact, direct or indirect, nothing by text, no phone calls, no social media, and no indirect contact.” 

The defendant said during the in-camera court hearing: “I didn’t talk to her since October.” The case was adjourned until May 7.

The alleged incident, involving the 56-year-old defendant, occurred on February 27 where the complainant said he shouted at her and began clapping his hands in Washington Street courthouse, putting her in fear, in breach of a safety order.