Broke court order
Wednesday, 1 February 2012
A WOMAN who contravened a non-molestation order has been granted an absolute discharge at Banbridge Magistrates' Court.
Sofie Ervine, of Glaskerbeg Road in Banbridge, appeared in Banbridge Magistrates' Court last week where she entered a guilty plea to the charge.
The court was told that on 9 August last year the injured party reported to police the defendant had arrived at his home address in her vehicle. This was in breach of the order where she is prohibited from being within 50 metres of his home.
Ervine entered the property and broke a wooden bathroom cabinet into pieces and allegedly went to the victim's bedroom where she assaulted him. He was left with scratches as he had blocked the attack with his arms.
Police arrived at the scene and observed the damage done and the injury sustained by the victim. It was later established the defendant had taken an overdose and had been taken away by ambulance.
At a later date police spoke to Ervine and she was interviewed. During interview she admitted to breaching the order and she was apologetic and put it down to the stress of the break up of her marriage.
She told police she was moving to a new area to prevent any reoccurrence of this incident.
Defence solicitor for Ervine, 50, Mr McAtamney explained to the court the situation was a delicate one.
“The Friday before this incident she had to go home early from work and as she returned to the house she saw a car exit the address of the victim and Ervine's 15-year-old son was in the front passenger seat of the car.
The woman was a complete stranger to the defendant and she was very stressed and anxious and concerned about her son.
“Over this weekend she got a call directly from this other woman and comments made upset her even more."
Mr McAtamney said that on 8 August she had gone to collect her dog, which stays with her at night, but stays in the yard at the victim's property during the day, and while there she heard her husband laughing and "she took it that he was laughing at her and it all came to the surface".
“She accepts she damaged the bathroom cabinet but she does not recollect hitting the victim," he said.
“She offered to pay for the damage but this was not taken up. It was an acrimonious split."
A letter from the defendant's GP was handed into the court.
“She realises the impact of this behaviour on her family. This would go some away to explaining her attempt at self harm.
“She is embarrassed and ashamed of her actions. She has learned her lesson in relation to this."
Speaking to Ervine, District Judge Mr Paul Copeland said: "This is an example of the law taking its course. This was a legitimate court order at the behest of your husband.
“I am satisfied that in this particular instance this was an emotionally fraught and hysterical response. You realise that you have to approach all of this with a degree of acceptance.
“With the children involved there is some concern to the court. I have no doubt of your outstanding background but these orders are not imposed lightly. You have a sad and unfortunate recent history regarding your relationship with your ex-husband, nonetheless you must be prepared to accept the responsibility that goes with these orders.
“In the hope you will never be back in court I will impose an absolute discharge."
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