This article is from page 32 of the 2014-05-20 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 32 JPG
AN alleged attack by two teenagers on a family vehicle on a main street last month formed part of a “wider dispute” between two Ennis based families, a court has heard.
Three people were in the car when it was allegedly attacked by two males allegedly carrying hurleys on O’Connell Street on April 10.
Two teenagers have been charged in connection with the incident.
They appeared before Ennis District Court and Ennis Children’s Court on Wednesday. They are charged with public order and weapon’s offences.
James Keenan (18), with an address at Childer’s Road Cloughleigh is charged with having a hockey stick intended to unlawfully intimidate or incapacitate a person or otherwise cause criminal damage to a vehicle.
He is also charged with criminal damage of the car owned by a woman and engaging in behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace.
A 15-year-old boy is also charged with criminal damage and engaging in behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace arising from the alleged incident at O’Connell Street.
The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is further charged with having a hurley intended to cause injury, incapacitate, intimidate a person or otherwise cause criminal damage to the windscreen, bonnet and side of a car while three occupants were on board.
On Wednesday, Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had directed summary disposal of the cases in the district court.
He outlined the alleged facts of the case to allow Judge Patrick Durcan consider whether to accept jurisdiction of the matter in the district or transfer it to the circuit court.
Insp Kennedy said it is alleged both accused were carrying hurleys when they set upon the vehicle owned by Kathleen Doherty.
He said damage costing 4000 euros was caused during the alleged attack. Insp Kennedy said it is alleged the incident is part of a wider dispute between the families.
Judge Patrick Durcan refused jurisdiction, meaning it will now proceed in the circuit court.
Defence solicitor said he consented to the cases being adjourned to September 10 for service of the books of evidence. Both accused were remanded on continuing bail.