Wife withdraws complaint, says kids are taught to call guards

A WOMAN, who withdrew a complaint of assault against her husband, said the couple only came to the attention of gardaí because children are taught at school to ring police in such circumstances.

The alleged victim, who lives in the south of the country with her husband, told Judge Raymond Finnegan she has known her husband since she was 17 years.

“I have known him for 18 years and it is very unusual for him to do something like this,” she said.

Gardaí arrested the husband at the family home on June 22 and charged him with assaulting his wife, causing her harm.

As part of his bail conditions, he was ordered to enter his own bond of €500, reside at a different address and sign on at a designated garda station twice a week.

Addressing the woman, Judge Finnegan said: “Do you have any idea how much time has been wasted by gardaí?”

“Yes, I do,” the complainant said to which the judge replied: “Really?

Sergeant Damien Galligan estimated that Garda O’Malley would have spent “up to 20 hours” dealing with the matter.

“Garda O’Malley could have been spending those 20 hours on dealing with…” to which the woman interjected to say: “Real crime”. Judge Finnegan shot back: “So this is not a real crime?”

“The kids called gardaí,” the woman said, “they are taught to do that at school.

“I’ve known him since I was 17. I am with him 18 years and it is very unusual for him to do this.”

“OK. Very well,” Judge Finnegan said before striking out the charges.