A judge has refused a safety order to a husband who locks himself into his own bedroom at night out of fear of his wife.

At a sitting of the family court yesterday, Judge Patrick Durcan refused to grant the safety order to the man stating that he had not met the standard required for the court to confirm the order.

In his ruling, Judge Durcan also said he found that the father had engaged in "contemptible behaviour" in recording a conversation with his daughter about what she saw in a domestic incident that took place between the girl's parents.

Judge Durcan said that the man in recording the conversation with his daughter "engaged in behaviour which is damaging to his children".

In evidence, the man said his wife has called him a "scumbag, knacker". He said his wife "is demeaning towards me, belittles me and makes me feel worthless".

The man said he sleeps in a different bedroom to his wife.

"I lock myself inside the room at night because I am in fear of her," he added.

Irish Independent