Latest news with #ofEvidence
Sunday World
3 days ago
- Sunday World
Farmer accused of harassing young couple for months tears up charge sheets in court
'Mr Greene said 'these are not charges of law. This is a spiritual law matter' and he proceeded to tear up the charge sheets.' A Clare farmer has been charged with harassing a neighbouring young couple seeking to move into their new home near the village of Inagh. At Ennis District Court today, Jim Greene (55) of Ballyhea North, Inagh has been charged with the harassment of couple, Robert Foley and Ciara O'Flynn on dates between February 17th to May 5th this year at Ballyea North, Inagh contrary to Section 10 of the Non Fatal Offences against the Person Act 1997. Mr Greene is also facing an arson charge that on a date unknown between April 2nd and April 15th 2025 at Ballyea North, Inagh did commit criminal damage by fire a number of items and all household contents to the value of €16,743 at Ballyea North, Inagh. Jim Greene at Ennis Court News in 90 Seconds - Tuesday, July 29 Giving evidence of arrest, charge and caution, Garda Bríon Dolan told the court that when charged and cautioned before court on Tuesday, Mr Green tore up the three charge sheets in front of him. Garda Dolan told the court in reply to caution 'Mr Greene said 'these are not charges of law. This is a spiritual law matter' and he proceeded to tear up the charge sheets.' Sgt John Burke said that the DPP has instructed that the case go forward to the circuit court on indictment and a Book of Evidence is required. In a separate harassment case of a former neighbour against Mr Greene before the court today a Book of Evidence was served in the case. In that case, Mr Greene is charged with harassing John O'Brien at Ballyea North, Inagh on dates between January 27th 2024 and February 18th this year contrary to Section 10 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997. Solicitor for Mr Greene, Tara Godfrey asked Judge Alec Gabbett that the legal aid certificate be extended for an updated psychiatric assessment but Mr Greene from the custody suite in the court asked Ms Godfrey to stop addressing the court on his behalf as 'it is a spiritual law matter and that is it'. Mr Greene has been on remand in custody at Limerick prison since May 7th. At a court hearing in May where Judge Gabbett refused bail, the judge said that the couple, Robert Foley and Ciara O'Flynn in question have been 'driven so demented' by the actions of Jim Greene that they have been forced to take out a circuit court injunction against him. Mr Greene is already accused of the burglary at the home of the two at Ballyhea North, Inagh on dates between April 2nd and April 15th last. Garda Dolan told the court at the contested bail hearing that for the month of March, Mr Greene had his car parked on the roadway and a very narrow lane leading to the couple's home which blocked access to their home which they have a mortgage on. Garda Dolan said that Mr Greene blocking access has meant that the couple have been unable to move into a property they purchased late last year. During the contested bail hearing, Garda Dolan said that it will be further alleged that subsequently Mr Greene emailed the new home owner's solicitors to say that he was 'God's Enforcer' acting under spiritual policeman's law which he feels entitles him to enter the property and buildings to investigate witchcraft and Voodoo'. Solicitor for Mr Greene, Tara Godfrey previously said that Mr Greene has no history of criminal behaviour. Ms Godfrey said that Mr Greene is a farmer with a small land-holding and has animals to look after.
Irish Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Farmer claiming to be 'God's enforcer' accused of harassing young couple
A County Clare farmer has been charged with harassing a neighbouring young couple seeking to move into their new home near the village of Inagh. At Ennis District Court on Tuesday, Jim Greene (55) of Ballyhea North, Inagh has been charged with the harassment of couple, Robert Foley and Ciara O'Flynn on dates between February 17 to May 5 this year at Ballyea North, Inagh contrary to Section 10 of the Non Fatal Offences against the Person Act 1997. Mr Greene is also facing an arson charge that on a date unknown between April 2nd and April 15, 2025 at Ballyea North, Inagh did commit criminal damage by fire a number of items and all household contents to the value of €16,743 at Ballyea North, Inagh. Giving evidence of arrest, charge and caution, Garda Bríon Dolan told the court that when charged and cautioned before court on Tuesday, Mr Greene tore up the three charge sheets in front of him. Garda Dolan told the court in reply to caution 'Mr Greene said 'these are not charges of law. This is a spiritual law matter' and he proceeded to tear up the charge sheets.' Sgt John Burke said that the DPP has instructed that the case go forward to the circuit court on indictment and a Book of Evidence is required. In a separate harassment case of a former neighbour against Mr Greene before the court on Tuesday a Book of Evidence was served in the case. In that case, Mr Greene is charged with harassing John O'Brien at Ballyea North, Inagh on dates between January 27, 2024 and February 18 this year contrary to Section 10 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997. Solicitor for Mr Greene, Tara Godfrey asked Judge Alec Gabbett that the legal aid certificate be extended for an updated psychiatric assessment but Mr Greene from the custody suite in the court asked Ms Godfrey to stop addressing the court on his behalf as 'it is a spiritual law matter and that is it'. Mr Greene has been on remand in custody at Limerick prison since May 7. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week At a court hearing in May where Judge Gabbett refused bail, the judge said that the couple, Robert Foley and Ciara O'Flynn in question have been 'driven so demented' by the actions of Jim Greene that they have been forced to take out a circuit court injunction against him. Mr Greene is already accused of the burglary at the home of the two at Ballyhea North, Inagh on dates between April 2 and April 15 last. Garda Dolan told the court at the contested bail hearing that for the month of March, Mr Greene had his car parked on the roadway and a very narrow lane leading to the couple's home which blocked access to their home which they have a mortgage on. Garda Dolan said that Mr Greene blocking access has meant that the couple have been unable to move into a property they purchased late last year. During the contested bail hearing, Garda Dolan said that it will be further alleged that subsequently Mr Greene emailed the new home owner's solicitors to say that he was "God's Enforcer acting under spiritual policeman's law which he feels entitles him to enter the property and buildings to investigate witchcraft and Voodoo". Solicitor for Mr Greene, Tara Godfrey previously said that Mr Greene has no history of criminal behaviour. Ms Godfrey said that Mr Greene is a farmer with a small land-holding and has animals to look after. For more of the latest breaking news from the Irish Mirror check out our homepage by clicking here.
The Journal
13-05-2025
- The Journal
Man charged with dangerous driving causing death of young mother indicates guilty plea in court
A MAN WAS remanded in continuing custody today after indicating he was willing to plead guilty to a charge of dangerous driving causing the death of a young mother, last year. The accused, Danny O'Donoghue, (42), Lower Main Street, Rathkeale, appeared before Limerick District Court on Tuesday. Mr O'Donoghue is accused of dangerous driving causing the death of 21-year old Marguerita O'Rourke, née Sheridan, of Roches Row, Rathkeale, on 21 December 2024, and with causing criminal damage to a set of gates at the same location on the same date. The court heard that Mr O'Donoghue is also charged with threatening to kill or cause serious harm to a Patrick Sheridan; producing a machete during the course of making the alleged threat to Mr Sheridan; and causing criminal damage to Mr Sheridan's van, all on the same date, in Rathkeale. Marguerita O'Rourke née Sheridan, had given birth to her first child four weeks prior to her death, after she sustained serious injuries at Bank Place, Rathkeale. Mr O'Donoghue's solicitor, Michael O'Donnell, told the court that Mr O'Donoghue had previously indicated he was 'prepared to offer a signed plea to dangerous driving causing death, and that is still his position'. Mr O'Donnell said Mr O'Donoghue was 'awaiting a Book of Evidence' in respect of the other charges, indicating the accused was planning on contesting these charges. Advertisement Mr O'Donoghue has not sought bail and has been held on remand in custody since his arrest last December. Prosecuting Sergeant, Denis Waters, Roxboro Road garda station, applied for, and was granted a four-week adjournment, by consent. Judge Aine Clancy also granted the State a time-extension on the service of a Book of Evidence should one be required. The judge remanded Mr O'Donoghue in continuing custody to appear before Limerick District Court, via video-link, for further directions in the case, on 10 June. Ms O'Rourke née Sheridan and her husband, Denis, celebrated the birth of their first child together, a son, last November. Thousands of people attended a candle lit vigil on Christmas Eve last and a funeral mass for the deceased, which was held at St Mary's Church, Rathkeale. Paying an online tribute to his late daughter, John Sheridan, described Ms O'Rourke née Sheridan as 'a true legend' who loved 'horses'. The deceased's brother Freddy Sheridan started: 'It's never going to be the same without you, Maggie, but you left us a very special boy, I know his mama should be here with him, but unfortunately life didn't go that way…Rest in Peace Marguerita, I can't believe I had to say it, love you my sister.' The State Pathologist, Dr Sally Anne Collis, performed a post mortem on Ms O'Rourke nee Sheridan's body, however Gardai did not release the results of the autopsy for operational reasons. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Daily Mirror
13-05-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Man charged with dangerous driving causing death of young mother
A man was remanded in continuing custody today after indicating he was willing to plead guilty to a charge of dangerous driving causing the death of a young mother, last year. The accused, Danny O'Donoghue, (42), Lower Main Street, Rathkeale, appeared before Limerick District Court on Tuesday. Mr O'Donoghue is accused of dangerous driving causing the death of 21-year old, Marguerita O'Rourke, née Sheridan, of Roches Row, Rathkeale, on December 21st, 2024, and with causing criminal damage to a set of gates at the same location on the same date. The court heard that Mr O'Donoghue is also charged with threatening to kill or cause serious harm to a Patrick Sheridan; producing a machete during the course of making the alleged threat to Mr Sheridan; and causing criminal damage to Mr Sheridan's van, all on the same date, in Rathkeale. Marguerita O'Rourke née Sheridan, had given birth to her first child four weeks prior to her death, after she sustained serious injuries at Bank Place, Rathkeale. Mr O'Donoghue's solicitor, Michael O'Donnell, told the court that Mr O'Donoghue had previously indicated he was 'prepared to offer a signed plea to dangerous driving causing death, and that is still his position'. Mr O'Donnell said Mr O'Donoghue was 'awaiting a Book of Evidence' in respect of the other charges, indicating the accused was planning on contesting these charges. Mr O'Donoghue has not sought bail and has been held on remand in custody since his arrest last December. Prosecuting Sergeant, Denis Waters, Roxboro Road garda station, applied for, and was granted a four-week adjournment, by consent. Judge Aine Clancy also granted the State a time-extension on the service of a Book of Evidence should one be required. The judge remanded Mr O'Donoghue in continuing custody to appear before Limerick District Court, via video-link, for further directions in the case, on June 10. Ms O'Rourke née Sheridan and her husband, Denis, celebrated the birth of their first child together, a son, last November.
