Man accused of attacking ex in front of their children before ‘speeding off' in her car
A 30-year-old man accused of attacking his former partner in front of their children at her south Dublin home before "speeding off" in her car has been denied bail.
The unemployed father was charged with assault causing harm, burglary, motor theft and production of a metal bar as a weapon during the incident at the woman's home on the evening of July 18.
Judge White noted at Dublin District Court today that there were no orders in place under the Domestic Violence Act but said he was exercising discretion to impose reporting restrictions.
As a result, the accused cannot be named.
He said a file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions and gardaí would recommend the accused face trial on indictment, in the Circuit Court.
The investigating garda maintained that the unemployed man arrived by taxi at his ex-partner's home and entered the property.
Dublin District Court in the Criminal Courts of Justice. Photo: PA
News in 90 Seconds, Friday August 1
The woman was in her bedroom with her children while the accused allegedly grabbed her mobile phone and then punched her with a closed fist to the left side of her face.
The woman then fell from the bed and was repeatedly hit while she tried to get up. The contested bail hearing was told that she managed to get out of the bedroom and went downstairs.
However, it was claimed that the man, who is the father of her children, pulled her back by her jacket and brandished a metal bar from her vacuum cleaner.
Judge White was told that she managed to get downstairs, open a window and "shouted for help". Meanwhile, the accused is said to have stolen €360 and her car key from her wallet.
It was alleged he got into her car and drove away.
The woman suffered "a busted lip and pain to her face, thighs and elbows", and there were photos of her injuries, the court heard.
The car was recovered two days later.
CCTV evidence, not played during the bail hearing, was said to have recorded shouting and roaring and the accused subsequently "speeding away".
Gardaí had also taken statements from the woman, a taxi man and a neighbour to support the charges.
The investigating officer also alleged the accused had evaded gardaí who had checked several addresses until he was found on Thursday.
Concerns were raised that he had drink and drug issues and that he or his family would engage in witness interference.
The defence submitted that the man denies the allegations, has the presumption of innocence and could face a lengthy period in custody on remand.
His barrister also proposed a strict set of bail terms, including movement restrictions and no contact with the woman who did not attend the bail hearing.
The accused claimed, via his counsel, that his former partner had told him she would withdraw the allegations and, instead of jailing him, she wanted him to get help for his problems.
The defence raised issues about the use of hearsay evidence that would not be permitted in the trial.
The judge denied the bail application but granted legal aid and a certificate for counsel. The man was remanded in custody to appear again next week.
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