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A judge has sparked controversy after saying he thinks that "Muslims feel they can actually beat their wives" while a Somali man was on trial accused of burglary at his ex-wife’s house.

Judge Anthony Halpin made the comments on Thursday in Tallaght District Court.

He has now apologised saying: "This week I made an unfortunate and incorrect remark in court.

"This has attracted some attention which gives the impression that I hold views less than favourable to the Muslim Religion.

"I would like to state that nothing could be further from the truth.



I accept that I made the remark, but what I intended to say, and should have said, was that people who beat their partners do not appreciate the provisions of Safety or Protection Orders, and they need intervention and education in that regard.



I had no intention of referring to, or offending Muslims or their religion, and I apologise for the hurt caused."

It came after the Immigrant Council of Ireland has called on Judge Anthony Halpin to clarify or withdraw his comments.

Khadar Younis denied breaking into his divorced wife's home while she was sleeping in her bed.

He pleaded not guilty to breaking a protection order and being in the possession of a knife while in the house at Fernwood Avenue, Springfield, Tallaght, on May 10.

His ex-wife Kara Ibrahim told the court she wanted to drop the case against him because he was a good father but not a good husband.

There was no evidence against the the dad-of-four of a physical assault.

Judge Halpin remanded Mr Younis on continuing bail to a date in September.

Judge Halpin had previously made headlines for putting forward the idea that the Civil Defence should be drafted in to help Gardaí keep the peace in Tallaght.

He also asked for a footbridge to be demolished this year after a young man suffered a fatal attack on it over the New Year.