Woman, 42, put elderly parents in fear, Cork court hears

A 42-year-old Cork woman who put her elderly parents in fear by coming home drunk and shouting at them has rehabilitated since the incident and the sentencing judge has put her on a 12-month probation bond.

Judge Mary Dorgan said at the in camera hearing of the case at Cork District Court, “You continue to cooperate with the probation service and are attending appointments.

“The charge are serious particularly when (defendant’s young child) was present. That would have had a traumatic effect on the child.

“This really calls for action. I am going to put you on a 12-month probation bond to attend at addiction services, including residential care if required, and to adhere to all probation directions.” Garda Gerald Murray brought the woman before an in camera hearing of Cork District Court shortly after the incident.

The parties cannot be identified as it relates to an alleged breach of the Domestic Violence Act which must be heard in private. The accused breached a safety order by putting her parents in fear.

Garda Murray stated that the defendant’s mother is 78 years old and her father is 84.

The accused was intoxicated and shouting at her parents and that the gardaí had to be called.

The charge states that they were put in fear, putting the defendant in breach of the order.

Garda Murray said when the matter was first in court, “I believe the problem is alcohol. I believe that it is a verbal situation and that there is no physical element.” 

The accused was represented by solicitor, Frank Buttimer, during the case which was finalised following several adjournments since in occurred.

There was one incident on May 9 2022 and an incident of a similar nature four days later. Mr Buttimer stressed that the breaches were verbal in nature.