Man given probation after assault on his ex-wife and daughter

Man given probation after assault on his ex-wife and daughter

30 August 2017

A MAN who assaulted his ex-wife and daughter has been placed on probation for two years.

Richard Craig Keenan (48) appeared at Downpatrick Court this week charged with five offences arising out of an incident at his former wife’s Kilcoo home on April 27.

His ex-wife had previously obtained a non-molestation order against Keenan, banning him from visiting her home or making any contact with her.

But on April 27 Keenan went to the house and was aggressive, trying to rip a television from the wall and throwing a chair at his ex-wife.

During the visit he also grabbed his daughter around the shoulders.

Later Keenan sent abusive texts to his former wife.

He was later charged with two counts of commons assault, one of breaching a non molestation order, a breach of an occupation order and improper use of a telephone system.

Defence barrister, Conan Rea, said Keenan, of St John’s Terrace, Cabra, has suffered serious health difficulties which necessitated a transplant.

“There have been psychological effects from that including depression,” said Mr Rea. “A close friend had passed away at that time and he was not in the best psychological state.”

District Judge Amanda Brady said Keenan had breached several court orders relating to his ex-wife in the past. 

“The more you do that the more severe the penalties a going to get,” she warned.

Part of the condition of his probation is that Keenan must take part in the Building Better Relations programme.