Woman's ex-partner said he would frame her for a crime if she did not withdraw complaint, Cork court told

A woman was threatened by her ex-partner that he would frame her for a crime and turn her children against her if she did not withdraw a criminal complaint against him.

This was the allegation made on Friday at an in camera hearing where Garda Ruth Healy objected to bail being granted to the 52-year-old.

One of the grounds for the objection was the concern by gardaí that he would interfere with the witness.

“The woman alleged that at 7.42pm on June 6 she revived a voice note from him, which had been sent to her from their adult son’s mobile phone.

“She alleges that the defendant threatened her that if she did not withdraw her statement for the alleged incident dated June 2 (for which he was previously in court) he would frame her for a crime and turn her children against her,” Garda Healy alleged.

Eddie Burke, solicitor, said: “The allegation is completely denied.” 

Mr Burke said the defendant had stayed away from the property which he had shared with the complainant, since his appearance in court last week.

He said the defendant has alternative accommodation and is in employment.

Judge Miriam Walsh considered the application to remand him in custody for the alleged breach of the safety order and breaching previous bail by allegedly contacting the woman.

Garda Healy said: “Gardaí believe that the defendant poses a serious risk to the injured party's safety. Gardaí fear that if the defendant is admitted to bail he will fail to abide by the conditions imposed, make further attempts to have the injured party withdraw her criminal complaint, and commit further breaches.” 

Judge Walsh remanded him in custody with consent to bail until June 18 on conditions, including his own bond of €800, of which €350 had to be lodged, sign daily at his local garda station, provide gardaí with a phone number at which he is contactable at all times and to have no contact, direct or indirect with his ex-partner and their dependent children.