A young woman has come forward with alarming claims that her own brother secretly installed a recording device in her car.
The Family Law Court heard the case, with Judge Alec Gabbett describing the situation as “particularly sinister.”
The woman, in her 20s, says she feels unsafe in her family home, not just for herself but for her mother as well.
“He is terrorising my Mam,” she told the court.
Judge Gabbett acknowledged the severity of the allegations, noting that the woman reportedly locks herself in her bedroom to avoid harassment, being chased around the house, and having her actions recorded without her consent.
Court Takes Allegations Seriously
Judge Gabbett emphasized the seriousness of placing a recording device in someone’s car.
“He effectively placed a dash cam in your car and, unbeknownst to you, recorded you,” he said.
He encouraged the woman to report the matter to specialist gardaí who deal with such cases.
Inspector Michaela Moloney, a senior Garda present in court, confirmed she would speak to the woman about the alleged camera after the session.
Judge Gabbett remarked on the credibility of the woman’s account: “If you were to make it all up, you should be an author and shouldn’t be here.”
He praised the factual accuracy of her statement, saying it was too detailed and precise to be fabricated.
Protection Orders Provide Legal Safeguards
The woman applied for a Protection Order on an ex-parte basis, which allows immediate legal protection before the alleged perpetrator responds.
Judge Gabbett explained that her brother would later have the chance to contest the allegations.
He also made clear that if the man breaches the Protection Order, the Gardaí could arrest him without a warrant and bring him to court.
Similar Cases Highlight Domestic Violence Risks
Judge Gabbett has handled other cases with similarly serious allegations.
In one, a pregnant woman received a Protection Order after claiming her ex-partner pushed her down the stairs.
The judge noted the near-fatal risk to her unborn child, saying, “He basically almost terminated your pregnancy—that is why you are frightened of him.”
The woman also reported that her ex had threatened to kill both her and her nine-month-old baby.
In a separate case, a woman obtained a Protection Order against her ex-partner after showing the judge photographs of her injuries.
The man had reportedly remarked, “You are black and blue in these,” further highlighting his pattern of violence.
What Happens Next?
With Protection Orders in place, the court provides immediate legal protection, but ongoing investigation and enforcement remain crucial.
The Gardaí will follow up on specific allegations, such as the hidden car recording device, while future hearings allow the accused to respond.
These cases underscore the importance of taking domestic violence claims seriously and the role of the legal system in protecting vulnerable individuals.
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