Man fails to turn up to Galway court over partner 'kill threats'
Judge Brian O'Callaghan recalled that the man had to be arrested previously on a bench warrant after he failed to attend court last December
A Circuit Court judge has ordered a bench warrant to be issued for a man who failed to turn up for his sentencing hearing for assault and coercive control charges.
No explanation was given for the non-appearance by his legal team, but defence barrister Brendan Browne said his client had his own mental health issues.
Judge Brian O'Callaghan recalled that the man, who cannot be named due to the nature of the charges, had to be arrested previously on a bench warrant after he failed to attend court last December.
At that stage he pleaded guilty to four of the charges he was accused of. The man, in his 40s, has admitted two charges of assault causing harm to his former partner on dates in 2022 in East Galway.
He also pleaded guilty to one count of threat to kill or cause serious harm to the same woman and and an offence of coercive control, contrary to section 39 of the Domestic Violence Act.“
So this is the second time this man is before court and failed to come – the first time for his trial, and the second time for his sentencing. It's quite likely he'll be brought before this court shortly. It's highly unlikely this court will let him out on bail.
The court notes that both legal representatives are here.”
Addressing the victim, Judge O'Callaghan said in the circumstances he was unable to hear from her but he noted that she had expressed her frustration previously that the case was taken so long to be completed.
She had described the delays in the case as "extra torture".
“I heard from the you the last day and I heard your message. You look a little bit more relaxed...Please don’t be concerned about the giving of evidence. You're not on trial. It's your ex-partner that's on trial. Please leave this court without fear of giving evidence.”
He said once the defendant was arrested by the Gardaí, the matter would be dealt with speedily.
Mr Browne stated that a forensic psychological report being prepared for the defendant would not be ready until August 21 at the earliest.
Judge O'Callaghan adjourned the case indefinitely and said the victim would be notified when the sentencing hearing would resume.
At a hearing last week, the court heard that a Probation Report assessed the defendant at a high risk of life threatening or serious harm and he was not taking part in therapeutic supports offered to him.
The ongoing dispute between solicitors and the Department of Justice over changes to the criminal legal aid fees has been blamed for delaying the case.
Judge O'Callaghan stated that "strikes and disputes cannot dictate how we deal with things in this court" and relisted the sentencing to a civil court sitting on Tuesday when criminal cases are not normally heard.
He apologised to the woman for this "stupid and ridiculous legal system".