Courts / Dublin / Report

Father claims former partner "brainwashed" sons over visiting

Summary

In a Dublin District Family Court hearing, a father who had recently served a two‑month prison sentence claimed that his former partner had "brainwashed" their two sons into refusing to see him. He sought joint custody and guardianship so he could visit the children's home without risk of arrest if the mother was intoxicated. The father argued that he had not seen his children for over a year and that the mother prevented visits. Judge Gerard Furlong directed that the boys' views be ascertained, asking counsellor Mary Murtagh to assess them. Murtagh reported that both boys had anxiety and anger issues, with one too traumatised to see the father and the other potentially open to visits under supervision. The father dismissed the counsellor's qualifications and accused the mother of drug use and neglect. The judge adjourned the case to October and advised the father to contact Tusla if he had welfare concerns.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Father claims former partner "brainwashed" sons over visiting. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• 2017-07-06 Publication

Why: She said the boys were referred to her because they were suffering from anxiety and anger issues. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Hearing Or Decision

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Read the original CNI report