This article is from page 17 of the 2012-10-02 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 17 JPG
THREE people have appeared in court charged in connection with a series of disturbances at Ennis Courthouse last week.
The court was interrupted on three separate occasions last Tuesday as 29 gardaí were forced to intervene in confrontations between two families in the foyer of the courthouse.
Three people – Darren Maughan (21), Nora Maughan (24), Patrick Maughan (32) – all with address at 20 Stonecourt, Drumbiggle, Ennis, initially appeared in court on Tuesday charged in connection with the events.
Darren Maughan and Nora Maughan are both charged with assault and provoking a breach of the peace. Patrick Maughan was charged with provoking a breach of the peace.
At Ennis District Court on Friday, Patrick Maughan pleaded guilty to the public order charge. Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court that he was concerned about letting Patrick Maughan’s case go ahead.
He said it would be preferable if all the cases were heard at the same time.
Insp Kennedy said there were indications that more people could be charged in connection with the disturbances.
Solicitor William Cahir said his client had become involved to try and break up the fracas.
He said Mr Maughan, who now lives in Limerick, has not been involved in feud related matters. Judge Patrick Durcan directed that the case proceed. Insp Kennedy said he accepted Mr Maughan’s plea.
He told the court that Patrick Maughan was one of the parties involved in the disturbances at the courthouse on Tuesday. Insp Kennedy said it was accepted that Patrick Maughan was not one of the instigators of the trouble. The court heard Patrick Maughan has 40 previous convictions.
Mr Cahir said his client, who now lives in Limerick, had problems with alcohol but is now clean and sober. Mr Cahir added;
“He apologises to the gardaí and the court for what happened.” He said Patrick Maughan had attempted to extricate his brother from the al- tercation. Mr Cahir said his client would be suitable for community service.
Judge Patrick Durcan said the business of the court had been greatly disturbed on Tuesday.
He said, “Twenty nine members of the gardaí on three occasions had to leave at speed and stop a melee that was audibly evident.”
He said it was “irrelevant” that Patrick Maughan was not the instigator.
Judge Durcan said, “I found it very difficult to make proper judgments and decisions on anything.”
Noting Mr Maughan’s apology, guilty plea and circumstances, Judge Durcan imposed a one-month prison sentence. Recognances were fixed in the event of an appeal.
He said, “This kind of behaviour around courthouses will not be tolerated.”
Darren Maughan was remanded in custody to appear again at Ennis District Court on October 17. Nora Maughan was remanded on continuing bail to appear again at Ennis District Court on October 17.