Three-month jail term for role in local feud

A three-month sentence was handed down to an Athlone man for his part in a feud-related incident in Willow Park at the end of May. Patrick O'Neill of 116 Meadowbrook, Willow Park, received the sentence on Wednesday last (June 2) at Athlone District Court, after he pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon, a wooden bat at Thornberry Drive on May 25 last. Det Gda Eamonn Cunnane told the court that the gardai were called to 53 Thornberry Drive in Willow Park at 7.50am on May 25 last, after the injured party, Stacey Ring, was hit with a wooden bat in her own driveway. Patrick O'Neill, with another, went to the house. They were shouting and roaring and looked for her and her partner to come out, the detective said. When Ms Ring, who had a baby in her arms at the time, came out to tell them to leave, a confrontation occurred and she was hit on the head, Det Gda Cunnane stated. He added, fortunately both Ms Ring and the baby, which was thrown from her arms, were okay. Solicitor Mark Cooney said Mr O'Neill had only been released from prison a short time earlier and had been drinking all day and all night, although he said that's not an excuse. He accepted there were ongoing tensions between the parties. He was sorry for the incident afterwards and did apologise, Det Gda Cunnane confirmed. He added that the incident was an extremely serious matter, pointing that it was lucky someone was not seriously injured. Patrick O'Neill was only released from jail on May 19 last. Inspector Jarlath Folan told the court that O'Neill had 12 previous convictions, the most recent of which was for possession of explosive substances in 2009, but he also has a record for arson, criminal damage and possession of a knife among others. "It's an unfortunate history," according to solicitor Mark Cooney, who said all of O'Neill's convictions relate to the ongoing feud. "The dispute has taken on a life of its own. He admits and apologises to this, he had been drinking throughout the night," Mr Cooney explained. Judge McLoughlin said what concerns him was that Mr Cooney's client was released from jail on May 19 and within six days was involved in this dispute again. He convicted and sentenced him to three months in jail. Meanwhile, his brother, Raymond O'Neill of 125 Meadowbrook in Willow Park, who is charged with assaulting of Stacey Ring and possession of an offensive weapon, namely a wooden type bat at 53 Thornberry Drive on May 25 last, will have to wait for his fate until June 9 next. On that date, the judge will view the victim's injuries to decide whether the matter can be dealt with in the district court or higher. Before deciding whether to try 23-year-old Raymond O'Neill's case or submit it to a superior court, Judge McLoughlin inquired as to the extent of Ms Ring's injuries and whether she would be able to attend the court later in the day. However, Det Gda Eamonn Cunnane said the injured party was in Dublin but could attend court next week if the matter was put back. Mr Cooney then sought bail for his client but this was opposed by Det Cunnane. "I believe he may commit other offences and the feud may be lit again," he stated from the stand. "I'm afraid someone will get seriously hurt... I believe it may get serious in Willow Park," adding that he feared O'Neill would intimidate the injured party who only lived a short distance away. However, solicitor Mark Cooney contended that his main objection to bail was that Raymond O'Neill would be residing in Athlone, however, if granted bail he plans to live in Ennis at the home of his girlfriend. Mr Cunnane said he wouldn't accept the Clare address, and from his knowledge Mr O'Neill's girlfriend lived in Athlone. He said the assault was captured on CCTV. "There is a difficulty wherever he would reside. He would be curtailed if he is in custody." Judge David McLoughlin granted bail but given the seriousness of the charge, imposed an independent surety of €5,000, all of which must be lodged in cash to the court. Other bail conditions include that O'Neill sign on daily at Ennis garda station, complies with a curfew from 10pm to 8am, and agrees not to interfere with the victim. Until bail is reached, O'Neill was remanded in custody to appear again at Athlone District Court on June 9 next for a decision on jurisdiction when the injured party will be in attendance.