‘And how long does she want in the Dóchas?’ - Stern warning for Longford woman
“I’ll put it back but I’ll be here and she better have that money” - Judge warns Claudia McDonagh to bring the remainder of the compensation to Longford District Court on July 21.
38-year-old Claudia McDonagh of 11A Cloverwell, Edgeworthstown in Longford has been given a final chance to produce for the court a sum of money as compensation for the victim of an assault which occurred on September 4, 2024, at 108 Abhainn Glas, Edgeworthstown in Longford.
“Right, what’s happening with recent court appearance Ms McDonagh?” asked Judge Vincent Deane as her solicitor Aoife Kelly stood to address the court.
“One of the matters that Ms McDonagh had was to have compensation of €250,” Solr Kelly began, “I’m told that unfortunately she doesn’t have that. She previously had a social welfare payment as a single parent but she got back together with her ex-partner and unfortunately that has affected her social welfare payments and they have it stopped now and …”
“Who is the €250 for?” asked Judge Deane.
“It’s related to an assault matter,” Solr Kelly replied.
“Yes the assault of Tanisha Lynn,” Judge Deane noted as he looked at her file. “It was put back for compensation…”
“Yes,” Solr Kelly confirmed.
“And she hasn’t got it?”
“No, Judge.”
“And how long does she want in the Dóchas until she gets it, Ms Kelly?”
“Well, no, Judge…”
“Because that’s where she’s going if she doesn’t get it,” Judge Deane warned sternly. “You commit an assault and the Judge gives you a chance but you come back into court and say you haven’t got it and just expect it to be put back for another two months?”
In response, Solr Kelly said, “If I could just explain the reason for her unfortunate circumstances, unfortunately when she recommenced the relationship, her social welfare payments were stopped and it had a knock on effect in that…”
Judge Deane added that while he was not doubting the reason behind Ms McDonagh’s failure to produce the compensation, he reminded Solr Kelly that her client “had committed a serious offence, a section 3 assault.”
He continued, “The reason she’s out and about is because she said she would provide compensation. I’m not particularly interested in circumstances. Other people wouldn’t have promised that and would be in custody serving their time. Why would I be giving her another two months if you’re telling me she’s in circumstances where she can’t pay it? Why shouldn’t she go into custody?”
“Judge, she’s a mother of three children” Solr Kelly explained, “so it would have a knock on effect.”
“Absolutely, but she was a mother of three children when she committed an assault,” Judge Deane pointed out. “Because she’s a mother of three children doesn’t mean you don’t go to jail if you commit an assault. I don’t have a different set of rules for people who are mothers and those who aren’t. Now, I’ll put it back but I’ll be here; she better have that money.”
The matter was adjourned until July 21.