Alleged late-night assault left children "traumatised", district court told

Jurisdiction has been refused in the case of a man charged with assaulting his former partner late at night while her children were present.

Desmond Collopy (43), with an address at Marine View, Athlone, and currently residing at Landon Road, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10, appeared before Judge Bernadette Owens at Athlone District Court, charged with assault causing harm and two counts of criminal damage.

He is charged with criminal damage to a car on May 3, 2025.

He is also facing a separate criminal damage charge relating to the alleged smashing of a window at the woman’s home just over a month later, causing €300 worth of damage.

Sergeant Sandra Keane outlined details of the second incident, which, along with the assault causing harm, is alleged to have taken place on June 8 of this year.

The accused had been out drinking and, when he returned, it is alleged he started roaring at the injured party, before getting the kids to come downstairs and continuing to shout abuse at their mother.

The court heard details of how Mr Collopy allegedly punched the woman in the face, while her toddler was still present in the room, dragged her over the floor and threw her headfirst into the wall of the sitting room.

Sgt Keane added that the children were “traumatised” by the alleged incident, which took place in the very early hours of the morning.

Judge Owens, after taking some time to consider the case, noted the injuries sustained by the woman and the time the alleged assault took place.

“I would have thought this was at the higher end of what would be seen in the District Court and so I am refusing jurisdiction,” she said.

The case will now go back to the Director of Public Prosecutions for consent to have it sent forward to the Circuit Court.

Mr Collopy was remanded on continuing bail to November 26, when it is hoped DPP directions will be ready.