Dublin businessman goes on trial for coercive control, assault and monitoring wife with cameras

A DUBLIN BUISNESSMAN accused of “emotional, physical and financial control” of his wife and monitoring her with cameras in their home has been sent forward for trial.

Graham Beegan, 45, was charged with coercively controlling his wife and assaulting and threatening to kill or cause her serious harm in 2021 and 2022.

Gardaí served a book of evidence on him at Dublin District Court today.

Beegan, of Pakenham House, Spencer Dock, Dublin 1, is charged with coercive control of his wife, which is said to have had a “serious effect” on her on dates between January 2019 and September 2022.

He is also charged with three counts of assaulting her, causing her harm and four of threatening to kill her at their home address on dates in 2021 and 2022.

Judge Michele Finan noted that the Director of Public Prosecutions directed trial on the indictment, and a book of evidence was served on the accused.

She granted a return-for-trial order, sending him forward to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where the case will be listed for mention on 29 May. He was remanded on continuing bail with a no-contact condition.

He has yet to enter pleas to the charge under Section 39 of the Domestic Violence, as well as sections 3 and 5 and the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

In December, Garda Shona Moran told the court the accused said “no comment” in response to each count after caution.

Outlining the prosecution evidence, she alleged the accused and the woman were married, and she made a complaint in 2022 accusing him of “emotional, physical and financial control”, which was “basically coercive control.”

The complainant “outlined a number of assaults and threats to kill” but had not required any medical attention, the court heard.

It was also claimed he monitored her with cameras and by electronic means in the home.

Bail conditions state Beegan must remain away from the alleged victim, not contact her by any means, and notify Gardaí of any change of address.

Defence barrister Robert Crowley said the accused had no issue surrendering his passport but travelled regularly for work and asked to be able to apply to have it returned when required.

The court held it could be returned with three days’ notice and proof of travel arrangements.

He did not address the court today but indicated he understood the judge’s warning that he must notify Gardaí if he intends to use an alibi in his defence.