*Two letters were received by the woman while the man has been in prison.
A SAFETY order has been granted to a woman against a prison inmate with a history of violence against women after she received two letters from him while in prison.
In the case, the County Clare woman sought the court protection after she received two letters, including a Valentine’s Day card, from the man who is currently serving a sentence at Limerick prison.
The inmate at Limerick prison has a history of violence against women and is currently serving a long sentence for an offence carried out on an ex-partner. The man also has other convictions for assault against other ex-partners.
In response to the woman’s application for the Safety Order, the man told Judge Alec Gabbett at Ennis Family Law Court, “I have no objections – just give the order. Just give her everything she wants”.
Judge Gabbett granted the woman a five year Safety Order and with the man due for release in 2028, the judge warned the man that he may be returned to prison if he breaches the Safety Order after he is released in 2028.
Judge Gabbett told the man “there is a huge incentive to stay from her because you could be back to prison if you don’t”.
In reply the man said, “I have no worries about prison judge. I can do me whack. It’s alright”.
The man told Judge Gabbett, “It is great down in Limerick prison – you should try it”.
In reply, Judge Gabbett said, “I have been in there”.
The prisoner said, “It is lovely. Big gyms and the food is great. It’s alright, I’m happy”.
Judge Gabbett asked, “Are you getting to the gym?”
The man replied, “Of course I am – look – fit as a fiddle”.
As he was being led away by prison officers back to the prisoners’ cells in the courthouse, the man told Judge Gabbett: “I’m going to go down to get a McDonalds now”.
When initially seeking a Protection Order against the man, the woman told Judge Gabbett that she is ‘terrified’ of the man.
She said, “It is very upsetting, very traumatic”. She said that in the past the man has subjected her to beatings and coercive control but he has not faced any criminal charges in relation to those allegations.
The woman handed in the Valentine’s Day card and a second letter into court for Judge Gabbett to read.
Judge Gabbett commented, “Some of it is erratic and juvenile”.
Judge Gabbett commented that there is a mark on the back of the envelope to show that the prison censor had gone through the letter.
Judge Gabbett said: “They are unwanted letters and contain all kinds of declarations or admirations”.
Judge Gabbett added, “It is very erratic. You would be concerned if he was released because it is very likely he will arrive at your door”.
