Ex-partner accused of screwdriver stabbing to be tried in district court

A small screwdriver was allegedly used to stab a woman in the left arm when her ex-partner called to her home — now it has emerged that the DPP has decided the case can proceed at district court level.

However, Judge David Waters said he wanted to see a medical report on the injured party before accepting jurisdiction. The judge adjourned the case until July 16 for that purpose.

The case was before an in-camera hearing of Cork District Court where the parties cannot be identified as the matter relates to an alleged breach of a safety order under the Domestic Violence Act as well as a charge of assault causing harm.

The 49-year-old man was previously refused bail on the charges at Cork District Court and the allegations in the case were set out in court on that occasion. 

On Wednesday, April 8, at 10.20am, gardaí received a report of an alleged domestic incident and they attended and met with the complainant.

She alleged that her ex-partner presented at her address demanding his bank card. She stated that she left her home to speak with him outside. 

She alleged that he produced a small screwdriver with a black handle and proceeded to stab her in her left arm. She sustained a cut to her arm but did not require medical attention.

He was charged with assault causing harm and breach of the safety order.