‘As a father, have you got any standards?’

Judge rebukes man bidding to cut maintenance

A JUDGE has accused a father who left his expartner and two children and now has a new family of ‘abandoning’ them.

The cutting rebuke was made yesterday by Judge Patrick Durcan as the man mounted a bid to cut the amount of maintenance he pays his ex.

‘Has he any standards? Has he any sense of responsibility? Has he any understanding of what it is to be a father?’ he asked.

The admonishment was heard at the Family Law Court in Ennis, Co. Clare, where the mother of the man’s two children told the court that she had had to go to St Vincent de Paul last Christmas for a handout.

The man is living with his new partner and their child and he was making an application before the court to have the amount he pays in maintenance each week reduced to his first partner for their two young children. Fury: Judge Patrick Durcan

However, the Clare man’s former partner said that he is due to shortly get a 4x4 from a family member – money which could go to their children.

Colum Doherty, solicitor for the man, said that his client is getting €193 a week in social welfare payments and is currently unable to work as he is recovering from a serious health setback.

Mr Doherty said that his client hopes to be back to work shortly.

On hearing that the young man is recovering and will shortly be driving around in the 4x4, Judge Durcan said the man would be better off with bicycle. ‘What does he want a jeep for?’ he asked.

‘Somebody, in my view, with the kind of problem that he has would be far better off cycling around and taking in gentle exercise rather than driving around in a big jeep.’

Referring to the gift of the SUV, Judge Durcan said: ‘He has a generous family who show very little regard for his children.’

The mother said that the money spent on the large vehicle should have been spent on their children.

She said: ‘I have had to go to St Vincent de Paul for Christmas. I have had to struggle on my own.’

In response, Judge Durcan said: ‘I know – and he has been driving around in his big jeep.’

Mr Doherty said that the man is not yet driving around in the 4x4 but is about to take delivery of it.

Judge Durcan said: ‘He has opted out on his first family and he is now taking possession of a big jeep…

‘Has he any standards? Has he any sense of responsibility? Has he any understanding of what it is to be a father?’

Judge Durcan said: ‘He has abandoned his first family for his second family.’

Mr Doherty said that his client understands his responsibility.

Judge Durcan said that the maintenance arrears summons for the man can be re-entered and all matters can be put back to November 1.

Judge Durcan said: ‘He is now in a dangerous position, from a court’s point of view.’

‘Had to struggle on my own’