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Man who broke protection order with 'worst' voice notes judge had ever heard has jail sentence overturned

Summary

A 33‑year‑old man who violated a protection order by sending abusive voice notes to his ex‑partner had his six‑month custodial sentence overturned on appeal. The judge, after hearing the recordings, described them as "the worst he'd ever heard" and found the messages "shocking beyond belief." The court noted that the victim remained distressed and that the man's behaviour was linked to substance abuse. The judge allowed the man to apologise in court and ordered him to pay €5,000 to the victim, with €1,000 due within a week and the balance within nine months. He also imposed 240 hours of community service to be completed within 12 months, replacing the custodial sentence. The appeal was heard in the District Court. The unnamed 33-year-old pleaded guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man who broke protection order with 'worst' voice notes judge had ever heard has jail sentence overturned. Charges or matters: contravening a protection order made on November 14, 2023 by watching the place where the woman resides and communicated with her by electronic means, contrary to section 33 of the Domestic Violence Act 2018. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• November 14, 2023 Other
• 2025-03-14 Publication

Case subjects

Topics

Stage Appeal

Read the original CNI report