'He's following me': Terrified student granted restraining order against ex

Tom Tuite

A terrified young student has been granted a three-year restraining order against her ex-boyfriend after alleging he threatened and stalked her around Dublin.

The South American woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, applied for the order at Dublin District Court.

In evidence, she recounted how after their relationship of a couple of years ended a few weeks ago, her ex started following her.

The student told the court she was afraid and alleged, "He is saying he will attack me."

Asked if he had followed her regularly, she said he had done twice in the previous week, once to work, and after school.

Giving evidence with the assistance of an interpreter, the visibly upset student said that he was threatening her, following her to school, to her home, and her job.

They did not have any children.

Her former partner did not attend the scheduled hearing to contest the claims against him.

Judge Anthony Halpin accepted the sworn evidence tendered by the woman.

He granted the civil restraining order to protect her from the man's activities.

He stipulated that he must not follow, watch, or beset the applicant or put her in fear or use language that threatened the applicant.

He also warned that the man would not communicate with her.

Judge Halpin directed gardaí to serve a copy of the order on the man, which is to remain in force for three years.

Breaching it can result in the subject of the order being brought to court, jailed for up to a year, and a maximum €4,000 fine.

The restraining orders were introduced in the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023 as a remedy for people seeking protection.

The District Court may issue an order to prevent the respondent from violence or threats, stalking, harassing or approaching the applicant's home, work, or school.

It can last up to five years, but may be shorter depending on the presiding judge's assessment.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact Women’s Aid (24-hour freephone helpline at 1800-341 900, email helpline@womensaid.ie) or Men’s Aid Ireland (confidential helpline at 01-554 3811, email hello@mensaid.ie) for support and information.