A judge yesterday urged people to take out barring orders if they were being abused by drunken spouses, partners or children to ensure they have some sort of a happy Christmas.
Judge Michael Pattwell advised anyone with drunken and abusive family members not to wait until Christmas Eve to seek help from the courts. "This time of year seems to be a particularly bad time of the year for domestic violence and I want to remind elderly people with bullying children or people with bullying and abusive partners to get barring orders.
"And I would suggest they don't wait until Christmas Eve if people are coming home with drink taken. They should go to their solicitor and obtain a barring order so they can have some semblance of a happy Christmas."
Judge Pattwell made his comments as he jailed Michael Lehane (50) for 10 months for assaulting his parents, Mr Timothy Lehane (83) and Ms Joan Lehane (78), at their home at St Philomena's Terrace, Blarney, Co Cork.
Insp Tom Hayes told Riverstown District Court that Lehane, who pleaded guilty to both charges, returned to his parents' home early on December 13th. He had been drinking and was with another man. When his father came downstairs after hearing them talking, he confronted him. "He caught his father by the throat and threatened to kill him," said Insp Hayes.
The other man intervened and restrained Lehane but he then pushed his mother against a wall and she hit her head as she fell. "As Mrs Lehane lay on the ground, he kicked her on the legs," said Insp Hayes.
Judge Pattwell said that Lehane's parents deserved better than to be bullied by their son in their old age. He might have a drink problem, but they were suffering the consequences of it. He jailed Lehane for five months on each count and set recognisances in the event of an appeal.