This article is from page 8 of the 2012-05-15 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 8 JPG
A FURTHER extension of time has been granted for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to issue directions for three people charged in relation to alleged incidents outside a primary school in Ennis in March.
Conor Mahon (21), Rose Mahon (22) and Laura Molloy (21) are charged with alleged offences at the Holy Family Junior School, Station Road, Ennis on March 20.
Conor Mahon, of Ballaghboy, Quin Road, Ennis is charged with possession of a slash hook at the school contrary to the firearms and offen- sive weapons act and with engaging in threatening and, or, abusive behaviour.
Conor Mahon’s wife, Rose Mahon, a mother of two, also of Ballaghboy Quin Road, Ennis, is charged with causing € 1500 worth of damage to the windows of a vehicle belonging to Thomas Sherlock on Station Road.
Her sister, Laura Molloy, of 21 An Pairc, Bruach na hAbhainn, Ennis is also charged with causing € 1500 worth of damage to the windows of a vehicle belonging to Thomas Sherlock on Station Road. Both sisters are also charged with provoking a breach of the peace. All three accused deny the charges.
The matter was before Ennis District Court last Wednesday.
Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court that directions had not yet been finalized. Solicitor for all three accused, Daragh Hassett said he had concerns that directions had not yet been issued.
He said. “This case has attracted a certain degree of notoriety about what is alleged to have happened in a school. All of which is denied.”
He said the strict bail conditions imposed on his clients meant that all three people “are basically under house arrest.”
He claimed that the file against his clients “had been left lying on a desk.” Mr Hassett added, “I want to know where these cases are going because they appear to be going nowhere.”Insp Kennedy said the case is being “actively investigated.”
He said, “This is very complex investigation. There is an element of cross allegations that the guards are looking into.” He said it had taken longer than anticipated to prepare the files. Insp Kennedy added, “This is not a simple matter. There are serious charges involved.”
He said that a file should be sent to the DPP in the next two weeks.
Judge Patrick Durcan adjourned the matter until June 6 for DPP’s directions.
Mr Hassett requested that bail conditions be altered for Conor and Rose Mahon.
He said the couple have children with heart difficulties and sometimes needed to attend the doctor after 9pm.
Curfew for Rose Mahon was extended to 12 midnight. Judge Durcan ruled that as bail for Conor Mahon was granted by the High Court, a change in bail conditions could only be secured there.