Man is remanded in custody after telling ‘lies’ to circuit court
The defendant pleaded guilty to the charges.
A man who "told lies" in court has been remanded in custody.
Sebastian Chatlis, aged 42, of Northbrook, Castlebar previously pleaded guilty at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court to a breach of the peace and two counts of criminal damage. The offences occurred inside a two-week period in October 2022.
On October 6, 2022, it was was reported that Chatlis was threatening his former partner with a knife at her home at Northbrook. When Gardaí arrived at the scene, the front door was open and Chatlis was shouting in the hall. He told officers to ‘F*** off’.
The accused was holding a leather belt and there was a dinner knife on the floor. He resisted arrest and had to be pepper-sprayed and struck with a baton on the leg before being restrained and handcuffed.
On October 18, 2022, it was reported to Gardaí that Chatlis had breached a protection order. He was intoxicated and banging on the door of his former partner's home. She was not there at the time and he broke a flower pot and a doorbell. He fled the scene before Gardaí arrived but was later arrested.
In the early hours of October 21, 2022, an intoxicated Chatlis started banging on the front door of his former partner's home. He then kicked in the back door and grabbed her by the throat. She managed to get him out the back door again and he produced some papers and a lighter and threatened to burn the house down. The accused was arrested at 5.45am.
The court heard his ex-partner had withdrawn her statement of complaint and is now back in a relationship with Chatlis.
Chatlis has 12 previous convictions.
Judge Eoin Garavan said he wanted proof that the accused is alcohol and drug free. The case was adjourned to last week for hair follicle testing to be carried out.
Chatlis had initially claimed that he sought a hair follicle test in July but was told his hair was too short. However, when the case came before the court again last week a GP confirmed this was not the case. The court was told Chatlis submitted a hair follicle for testing the day before last Friday’s hearing.
“This was an appallingly serious matter and he just told lies,” said Judge Garavan, adding that he was going to remand Chatlis in custody.
Barrister Diarmuid Connolly sought leniency for his client stating that Chatlis has previously spent time in custody on these matters and was assaulted while in prison.
Judge Garavan said he would not be changing his mind, adding: “He’s going to get a custodial sentence on these matters."
He said Chatlis has continually obstructed and sought to delay the sentencing process. The court heard the case has been before the courts for two and a half years.
“All the adjournments were in in ease of him, and he has lied to the court,” said Judge Garavan. “He will get the message eventually."
Chatlis was remanded in custody until this Thursday when his sentencing will be finalised.
- Published as part of the Court Reporting Scheme.
