Several individual defence solicitors acting were present, with one telling the judge when the case they were instructed in was called, “with the greatest respect to the court, I’m withdrawing my services”.

Nessa Gilsenan of Copper Beech House, Mellifontstown, Kinsale, Co Cork, appeared before Cork Circuit Criminal Court on Tuesday.

The middle-aged man was before the Cork Circuit Criminal Court, having pleaded guilty to the non-fatal strangulation of his former partner.