Courts / Dublin / Report

Woman wants assault charges withdrawn

Date
2014-06-19

Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Primary locality
Balbriggan

County
Dublin

Summary

At Balbriggan District Court, applicant Maria Covaci sought to withdraw an assault allegation against her partner, defendant Ioan Lucaciu. Lucaciu, 22, of Dublin Street, Balbriggan, is alleged to have assaulted Ms. Covaci at their home on June 10th. Ms. Covaci told Judge Dermot Dempsey she wished to withdraw the complaint because, as a Pentecostal, she believed making a complaint against her partner was against her religion and she did not want to be punished by God. Judge Dempsey clarified that she was merely making a complaint, not punishing him, and that the court would impose any penalty. Detective Garda Keith Horgan questioned why she had previously made allegations. Ms. Covaci reiterated her religious objection. Judge Dempsey also questioned Pasture Valentine Govinchi, who stated he was there to give a good reference and that God would be angry with Lucaciu. When asked if he would take responsibility for more serious assaults, Mr. Govinchi said he would explain how to be a couple. Judge Dempsey described the case as "very peculiar" and granted Ms. Covaci's request to withdraw the allegation, warning that any further alleged assaults would be on their own heads. He also refused Lucaciu's solicitor's request for legal aid, stating they wanted to avail of State finances but not the prosecution of the State.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Woman wants assault charges withdrawn. Charges or matters: assault. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

June 10th Incident
2014-06-19 Publication

Why: Ms Covaci took to the stand and told Judge Dempsey the reason for withdrawing the complaint was because as a Pentecostal she cannot make a complaint against her partner and she cannot punish him. CNI source report