Unhappy couple are banned from going into each other’s bedrooms

AN UNHAPPILY married couple ‘trapped’ in their own home have agreed court-approved bans from each other’s bedrooms and bathrooms in the house.

The grandparents are married almost 40 years and in an agreement brokered by the couple’s solicitors, the husband has agreed not to enter his wife’s bedroom and the bathroom designated for her use in the house. In return, the wife has agreed not to enter his bedroom or designated bathroom.

The couple reached the deal after the woman decided not to proceed with a safety order application against her husband.

In evidence securing a temporary protection order, the woman said the verbal abuse from her husband has been continuing for 10 years and in December he elbowed her in the face. The woman said that she has taken overdoses in the past due to the stress from the abuse.

She told the family law court in Ennis: “Why should I have to put up with the abuse he has given me?”

Addressing the court, the woman’s husband said: “I regret what has happened. I really can’t turn back the clock.”

Solicitor for the woman, Pamela Clancy, said the couple “are living separate and apart in the family home – this isn’t a matter where they can get on”.

The two live in a council home, and Ms Clancy said: “They are trapped in this house and things are difficult.” Solicitor for the man, Shíofra Hassett, said: “It is an incredibly sad case.”

The two left court and returned shortly after with the agreement not to enter each others bathrooms and bedrooms. The agreement will require some plumbing work to the home and the case was adjourned to February 1 to allow that work to take place.