Woman accused of having pepper spray and hammer in alleged ongoing dispute over ex
A District Court judge has refused jurisdiction in the case of a woman accused of having pepper spray and a hammer when she arrived at the home of a woman with whom she is alleged to have a dispute over a former boyfriend.
Nadine Hess (39), with an address at Johnstown Road, Cabinteely, Dublin 18, has pleaded not guilty to possessing pepper spray and a hammer, as well as engaging in threatening or abusive behaviour, at Fitzgerald Park, Monkstown, Co Dublin, on May 25, 2025.
The court heard that Ms Hess is alleged to arrived at Fitzgerald Park in a car with another woman, who is a co-accused in the case, despite neither living in the immediate area.
Garda Lorraine Doyle told Judge Anne Watkin at Dún Laoghaire District Court that gardaí were alerted by an anonymous call over concerns about Ms Hess’s presence outside the home of a woman she was in an alleged ongoing dispute with over a former boyfriend.
Garda Doyle told the court that the two women did not initially engage with gardaí who arrived at the scene and that there was shouting outside the house.
Garda Doyle said that, following a search, gardai allegedly found a can of pepper spray in Ms Hess’s handbag and a hammer lying on the back seat of her car. She told Judge Watkin it is alleged that Ms Hess’s co-accused was found with a knife in her handbag.
Defence solicitor, Andrew King, said Ms Hess was pleading not guilty and it would be argued that the hammer related to renovation works at her apartment.
Judge Watkin noted that neither woman lived in the area but that they had travelled there and parked outside the home of a person with whom they were in dispute.
Judge Watkin said the allegation that the two accused had arrived armed did not appear to be a minor matter and refused jurisdiction.
Garda Doyle said there was no objection to bail.
Ms Hess was granted bail on her own bond of €500, on condition that she reside at her address or notify gardaí of any change of address, stay away from Fitzgerald Park in Monkstown, and have no direct or indirect contact with the woman with whom she has allegedly been having the dispute.
The case was adjourned to June 23 next for the book of evidence to be served.
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