Woman who broke safety order has custodial term suspended on appeal
A woman who broke a safety order after locking her then-partner out of the house and using abusive language has had her two-month custodial sentence suspended on appeal.
The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty in the District Court to the breach of a safety order contrary to the Domestic Violence Act 2018.
Garda Craig Geoghegan told the District Court Appeals Court that he responded to a call at a house in Co Dublin on March 7, 2023, where a woman had locked her then-partner out of the house.
She was using threatening and abusive language, which put the victim in fear.
The woman was later sentenced to two months in custody in the District Court.
Lorraine Stephens, defending the woman, said that her client suffers from an addiction to alcohol and “things have escalated for her”. She said that the woman has made attempts to receive treatment but is finding it difficult.
Judge James O’Donohoe said that in the circumstances, he does not believe that a custodial sentence would benefit the defendant.
He decided to suspend the sentence of two months for a period of two years on the condition that the woman keep the peace and engage with an alcohol treatment centre recommended by probation service.