Row over unpaid rent ends up in Kilkenny District Court

An argument between housemates over rent arrears resulted in a man being brought before Kilkenny District Court on an assault causing harm charge.

Jeremy Holmes, Good Shepherd Hostel, Kilkenny, pleaded guilty to the charge.

Garda Brian Kelly gave evidence that on May 22, 2025, he attended Larchfield Court and spoke to the injured party. She alleged that earlier that morning she got into an argument with her housemate, Mr Holmes, over rent arrears. She alleged she was assaulted by him.

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On June 4 Mr Holmes was arrested and interviewed at Kilkenny Garda Station, where the woman’s statement was put to him and he was shown pictures of her injuries.

Throughout the interview Mr Holmes was compliant and made several admissions. He was later charged.

The woman received an injury to her mouth during the “pushing and shoving” when she hit a door.

In answer to solicitor Chris Hogan, the garda confirmed there were three people living in the house. The woman returned to the house at 5am, when Mr Holmes had been in bed. Then the argument ensued.

There was no striking, just pushing and shoving.
Mr Hogan said that during the interview his client said the injured party had followed him back into his room and he shoved her out.

Inspector Smith said the injured party did not want to give a victim impact statement.

Mr Hogan said his client had a good work history but because of intoxicants lost his job and his accommodation. He is now actively looking for work.

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“For a period of time he didn’t do himself any justice,” Mr Hogan said of his client, adding that Mr Holmes had asked him to apologise on his behalf to the injured party for his behaviour on the night.

Judge Geraldine Carthy said she would structure a sentence to assist Mr Holmes, going forward.
She convicted him of assault causing harm, imposing a prison sentence of seven months to be suspended for nine months on condition he engage with the Probation Service and be of good behaviour.