“If I wasn't a judge, I'd have very strong words to say to him”: Kildare judge appalled by defendant's comments to mother

BAIL APPLICATION

A Naas District Court judge was visibly angered by a male defendant's comments he made to his own mother.

Judge Desmond Zaidan was not impressed by the comments he heard during one in-camera (in private) court session, which was heard on Thursday, September 19 last.

The man in question has been accused of domestic violence offences against his mother.

Gardaí objected to bail being granted for the defendant, as they said that the man is of no fixed abode and citing 'a likelihood of him going on to commit further offences.'

"That's not true," the man interjected.

It was also heard that the man has an addiction to illegal drugs.

Upon hearing this, Judge Zaidan asked the accused: "Why are you taking this stuff? The person who loves you, you're causing them grief."

"My Mam and I hate each other," the man responded: "It's been like this for over a decade."

The judge then asked the man: "Is she trying to teach you right from wrong?"

"Yes."

"Well, that's what parents are meant to do," the judge replied.

"She is a state herself, and that's a fact," the man insisted.

The judge said that he would consider granting the man strict bail, so long as he stays out of the County Kildare town where his mother is residing.

When the alleged injured party (the mother) walked in, the man looked in her direction and said out loud: "Get the f**k away from me, your dirty b***h!"

Upon hearing this, the judge said that he would refuse bail and instead remand the man in custody.

"He did it right under my nose," Judge Zaidan said to court gardaí: "It takes courage for a mother to come up [to testify against her son]."

He added: "If I wasn't a judge, I'd have very strong words to say to him."

The judge ultimately decided to remand the man in custody, but added that if a bed becomes available at an in-house facility for treatment, then it should be made available to the accused.

He also ordered that the man should receive medical attention while in custody.

The case will resume at a later date.

If you have been affected by this article, you can find resources to help you by contacting Women's Aid at 1800 341 900 or emailing helpline@womensaid.ie, or Men's Aid by ringing 01 554 3811 or emailing hello@mensaid.ie.

Additionally, you can find resources to help you by emailing Samaritans Ireland at jo@samaritans.ie, or by ringing 116 123.