Latest news with #JamesMcGowan
Sunday World
23-07-2025
- Sunday World
Co Donegal businessman admits sexually assaulting 15-year-old girl
The accused cannot be named at this stage of proceedings A Co Donegal businessman has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl. The man, who is in his 40s, appeared at Letterkenny Circuit Court. The accused, who cannot be named at this stage of proceedings, spoke only to plead guilty. He pleaded guilty to assaulting the girl by touching her on her breast and her vagina through her clothing. A second count was taken into consideration. The court was told the married businessman, who is also a father, employs a number of people in his business. He has no previous convictions. Letterkenny Circuit Court. Photo: North West News Pix News in 90 Seconds - July 23rd The court was told that the victim now resides outside of the country but was present in court for the brief arraignment. The charge is contrary to section 2 of the Criminal Law (Rape) (Amendment) Act, 1990. Ms Fiona Crawford BL, prosecutor for the State, said that the guilty plea to the count of sexual assault met the case on a full facts basis. Barrister for the accused man, Mr James McGowan SC, with Mr Peter Nolan BL, instructed by solicitor Mr Donough Cleary, said his client is a businessman with 'a number of employees'. The man's barrister requested a full Probation and Welfare Report on his client before final sentencing was passed. Judge Roderick Maguire granted the request and adjourned the case until October for sentencing. The victim, who was accompanied to court by a number of family members, was told she could attend the sentencing by videolink.
Irish Daily Mirror
23-07-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Irish businessman pleads guilty to sexually assaulting 15 year-old girl
A Co Donegal businessman has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl. The man, who is in his 40s, appeared at Letterkenny Circuit Court. The accused, who cannot be named at this stage of proceedings, spoke only to plead guilty. He pleaded guilty to assaulting the girl by touching her on her breast and her vagina through her clothing. A second count was taken into consideration. The court was told the married businessman, who is also a father, employs a number of people in his business. He has no previous convictions. The court was told that the victim now resides outside of the country but was present in court for the brief arraignment. The charge is contrary to section 2 of the Criminal Law (Rape) (Amendment) Act, 1990. Ms Fiona Crawford BL, prosecutor for the State, said that the guilty plea to the count of sexual assault met the case on a full facts basis. Barrister for the accused man, Mr James McGowan SC, with Mr Peter Nolan BL, instructed by solicitor Mr Donough Cleary, said his client is a businessman with 'a number of employees'. The man's barrister requested a full Probation and Welfare Report on his client before final sentencing was passed. Judge Roderick Maguire granted the request and adjourned the case until October for sentencing. The victim, who was accompanied to court by a number of family members, was told she could attend the sentencing by videolink. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
CBC
31-01-2025
- General
- CBC
What's that smell? Skunk mating season has begun in Calgary
The smell of romance is in the air — skunk mating season has begun in Calgary. It's possible Calgarians' noses have already informed them of that news. The black and white animals are starting to crawl out of their dens more often, in search of partners to make babies with. That means male skunks are spraying their competition, while female skunks are spraying the males they aren't interested in. That's according to James McGowan, an urban pest and wildlife specialist who owns Lavellan Pest Solutions. He said it's a matter of time until he starts seeing his biannual spike in calls — with birthing season over the spring and early summer following behind. "Typically in Calgary we're going to see mating season start around what we call our January summer, which we're experiencing right now," said McGowan. While some may fear getting sprayed during this heightened season of activity, McGowan said skunks generally don't like to spray. Other than spraying each other during mating season, he said the critters spray humans and other animals only as a last resort when they feel threatened. If you come across one, McGowan recommends making enough noise so it's aware of your presence — and slowly back away. Skunks will usually spin in circles, lift their tails and stamp their feet as warning signs before spraying. Otherwise, McGowan said, he's advocating for people to leave them be, even if they've denned on your property. Relocating them can put their lives at risk and there are so many in the city that it's impossible to get rid of them, he said. "The second you take an animal out of its territory and put it somewhere new, it doesn't know where to find food, doesn't know where to find shelter. It's constantly stressed.… It's not going to survive the way people think it is," said McGowan. "An urban skunk is set for an urban environment. They're meant to be here. That's all they know." For Erik Johnson, owner of Grove Eco-Friendly Pest Control, prevention is key. He recommends cleaning up all potential food sources, like fallen apples and berries, and ensuring trash bins are secured. Blocking off potential denning sites also helps, he said. "If the skunks are already living there, we can install a one-way door that'll allow the skunk to leave but not go back in. Then it's a really great permanent solution so you're not having to deal with that issue again in the future," said Johnson. Beki Hunt, executive director at the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society, said most of the skunks they take in are kits who are left behind when their mothers are trapped and relocated. "Sharing your space with a skunk — it's really only beneficial," said Hunt, noting they prey on rodents and insects. She added they typically have multiple denning spots and don't stay in one place full-time. She urges Calgarians to keep their dogs leashed to decrease their chances of lunging at or cornering skunks and getting sprayed.
