In a courtroom drama involving a couple locked in a dispute, a husband alleged that his spouse has violated the sworn commitments given in the court concerning the operation of an immersion switch at their shared residence. Taking place at the Family Law Court, both sparring parties have interim restraining orders against each other and agreed to an oath involving the use of the household immersion switch, which is to remain active during daylight hours. Although separated, the pair continue to dwell with their offspring in the family residence.
Representing the husband at the Family Law Court, attorney Lorraine O’Callaghan Daly informed Judge Alec Gabbett that the wife has repeatedly failed to adhere to commitments related to the immersion switch. O’Callaghan Daly shared that her client departs each morning with the switch engaged, only to return to a deactivated switch, thereby leaving ample cold water but no hot water.
The wife’s legal advisor, Ronan Connolly, retaliated claiming that the immersion system is surplus to requirements as his client has access to an electric shower within her private washroom. In response to Connolly’s argument, O’Callaghan Daly emphasised her client’s necessity for the immersion heated water due to his daytime occupation’s nature.
Connolly outright denied any violations of the vows connected to the switch control. He claimed his client is prepared to testify under oath about her non-interference with the immersion switch in compliance with the court order. Connolly further highlighted a recent conviction of the husband in the District Court for breaking a protection order. Connolly stated his client’s diligent compliance with the court’s directives, including completion of a parenting course, and demonstrated a positive trend in Circuit Court matters.
In the month of January, the District Court was presided by Judge Adrian Harris. A two month suspended jail sentence for a violation of a protection order, arising from a shower disagreement between a couple on their child’s Confirmation day, was handed to the man by the judge. One condition was that the man was barred from entering his wife’s bedroom as per the terms of the suspended sentence.
Judge Gabbett was informed by Ms O’Callaghan Daly that her client is challenging the District Court’s ruling. They are awaiting the date to appear before the Circuit Court.
The ex-wife gave her testimony in the January District Court hearing concerning the protection order violation. She described the past 18 months, since their separation, as her ‘absolute hell’. Her only desire was to bring her marriage to an end and commence a new chapter in her life.
She continues residing in her home solely to provide her children with a sense of security and stability. Her wish is to dissolve this marriage, which she never desired to be a part of.
The hearing regarding the alleged violation was postponed by Judge Gabbett until May.
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