This article is from page 20 of the 2013-06-11 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 20 JPG
THREE men allegedly smashed up a car parked outside Drumcliffe graveyard while a religious service was underway, a court has heard.
Michael Doherty (51), with an address at 2 St Michael’s Park, Ballymaley, Ennis; James Galbraith (45), with an address at 1 St Michael’s Park, Gort Road, Ennis, and Patrick Doherty (34), with an address at Bay 2 St Michael’s Park, Ballymaley, all appeared at Ennis District Court on Wednesday.
All three are charged with the criminal damage of a car at Drumcliffe on March 24.
Inspector Tom Kennedy outlined the alleged facts of the case to allow Judge Patrick Durcan to consider jurisdiction.
He said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) directed summary disposal of the cases.
Insp Kennedy said a woman was attending a mass at the graveyard on the day in question. The court heard the woman returned to her car at around 3pm. Insp Kennedy said it would be alleged that the woman observed the three accused arrive at the scene in separate vehicles.
He told the court that it would be alleged that the three men attacked the Ford Focus with weapons, breaking windows and damaging the bodywork.
The court heard that the woman fled from carpark back into the graveyard.
Judge Patrick Durcan accepted jurisdiction. Defence solicitor for the Doherty’s, Daragh Hassett told the court that he had only just received statements in the case.
Mr Galbraith is represented by solicitor John Casey. Judge Durcan adjourned all cases to July 3 for a plea or a date.