The Judge praised a woman living in Naas, who the court heard is now 'unable to sleep at night' following an assault in her home, after 'standing up for a dog.'
A 28-year-old man with an address in Dublin, appeared at Naas District Court, on Wednesday, charged with entering a building with the intent of committing an offence, on February 16, 2016, in Naas.
He was also charged with assault, on the same date, at a house in Naas.
Sgt Jim Kelly told the court how a woman saw the accused outside her house and objected to the way he was treating a dog.
Evidence was given that the woman saw the accused kick a dog and when she told him to stop, he said: "Fxxk off, I can do what I want with my dog."
The court heard how the accused followed her into her house and held her by the throat,
Evidence was heard how the woman's son came to her rescue by hitting the accused over the head with a candleholder.
Judge Desmond Zaidan said: "She is a brave woman, she must be given credit for standing up for the dog."
The court heard how the accused had several previous convictions including robbery.
The court heard that the accused's last previous conviction was in 2014.
Defence Solicitor, told the court how the accused had a very difficult childhood and did not have any stability, moving between state care and alcoholic parents.
The court heard that the accused 'is very remorseful' and apologises to the injured party and has given assurances that he will not go back to the housing estate where she lives and 'bears her no ill will.'
The court heard that he has moved out of that estate now.
He told the court how he sent the dog, a whippet, to the pound after the incident.
His partner appeared in court on Wednesday. The court heard how they have two children together.
A Probation Report read out in court said: "The defendant' attitude is one of remorse. At the time he was drinking and taking drugs, he regrets the stress he caused to the victim."
A victim impact statement read out in court told how after the incident, the injured party was 'unable to sleep and walked around the house at night.'
She said: "I was given a month's supply of antidepressants and sleeping tablets,I felt very afraid in my own home."
Judge Desmond Zaidan imposed a 10 months prison sentence.
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