Sunday 1 November 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 23323Domestic violence (threats, assault)

Woman cross-examined by ex-partner in court amid legal aid dispute

A woman was cross-examined in court by her ex-partner, who allegedly threatened to rape and kill her, after he was unable to secure legal representation due to the criminal legal aid solicitors' strike. The incident, which took place in September 2026, was widely condemned by politicians and Women's Aid.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court1 Oct
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
9 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA woman was cross-examined in court by a man who allegedly threatened to rape and kill her (thejournal.ie)
  • whatThe man allegedly smashed the outer pane of a window while young children were present (thejournal.ie)
  • whatThe man allegedly threatened to rape and kill the woman (thejournal.ie)
  • whatThe man allegedly threatened to rip her teeth out with pliers and stick a screwdriver through her chest (thejournal.ie)
  • courtThe man was allowed to cross-examine his ex-partner after she objected to him being released on bail (thejournal.ie)
  • courtThe incident was raised at an Oireachtas Justice Committee hearing by committee chair Matt Carthy (thejournal.ie)
  • courtA High Court judge urged both sides of the dispute to resolve the issue (thejournal.ie)
  • otherThe dispute between solicitors and the Department of Justice over a new flat fee model for criminal legal aid cases in the district court has been ongoing since July (thejournal.ie)
  • otherThe dispute has led to the adjournment of thousands of criminal cases (thejournal.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 1 Oct2026
    In courtthejournal.ie, first report
    Widespread criticism after woman cross-examined by man alleged to have threatened to kill her

    Reports widespread criticism after a woman was cross-examined by her ex-partner at a bail hearing due to the criminal legal aid solicitors' strike; the man allegedly threatened to rape and kill her and damaged the home while children were present.

    victim, femaleaccused, male