Man jumped headfirst through window of ex-partner's home

A 51-year-old man jumped headfirst out through the window of his ex-partner’s home when gardaí arrived to investigate a report of a complaint under the Domestic Violence Act.

The incident came to light at Cork Circuit Appeals Court where the accused man appealed a six-month sentence.

The appellant’s barrister, Orla Meere, explained to Judge Sinéad Behan that the sentence originally imposed at Cork District Court was one of six months suspended but that another offence triggered the revocation of the suspension which left him facing six months in jail.

The offence dates back to December 2021/January 2022 when he began sending his ex-partner abusive and nuisance phone calls and texts.

He was insisting on video calls with his children and she explained that they were having their dinner at one time and sleeping at another.

He said in one message: “Stop bullshitting me, show me the kids.”

In another he said: “Stop playing games with me, it would be dangerous.”

The woman complained to gardaí that she was in fear, Sergeant John Kelleher said at the appeal court.

He was being arrested at the complainant’s home and he had to be pepper-sprayed because of his resistance, said Sergeant John Kelleher.

“He jumped headfirst out the window of her home,” Sgt Kelleher said.

Ms Meere explained that the accused had a good work history and that these domestic issues occurred at a time when he had difficulties in his personal life.

Judge Behan said: “I will suspend the sentence. He must pay his ex-partner €500 within months.”

The judge said access to see his children must be arranged through an authorised intermediary.