Sledge hammer, steel bar and hurley produced in alleged violent disorder between neighbours
Three neighbours are due to reappear at Athlone District Court, charged with violent disorder and the production of weapons during the course of a dispute in May of last year.
James Keenan (52) and Peter Keenan (26), both of 29 Alverno Drive, Willow Park, Athlone, Co Westmeath, were respectively charged with producing a steel bar and a sledge hammer during the course of a dispute, engaging in violent disorder, and assaulting their neighbour, Adrian Payne (57), of 23 Alverno Drive, causing him harm.
Mr Payne is also charged with engaging in violent disorder, and with producing a hurley during the course of the dispute.
Garda Marie Fahy told the court that Gardaí received a call on May 11, 2024, at 8.15pm in relation to an alleged assault at Alverno Drive.
When Gardaí arrived, they spoke to Adrian Payne, who had a cut to his right eye, bruising and scrapes on his back. He alleged he had been assaulted by his neighbours, who produced weapons.
The alleged incident stemmed from two young boys who had been playing football on the road in the estate, Garda Fahy outlined. Mr Payne said he had gone out and told them to move on. Both boys were unwilling to make a statement.
Gardaí then spoke to James and Peter Keenan, who said Mr Payne had stopped James Keenan’s son and told him to go home.
CCTV footage harvested showed Mr Payne emerging from the front door of his home and making his way towards the road where the two boys were playing, the court was told.
After a couple of minutes, he returned inside, before emerging 30 seconds later with a hurley, which Garda Fahy said he left in a wheelie bin.
CCTV then shows a number of men entering the footage and challenging Mr Payne on the road. A scuffle ensues and Mr Payne is seen attempting to throw a punch, while falling to the ground while the rest of the men surround him.
None of the men have pleaded to the charges and Garda Fahy informed the court that the case was dependent on the CCTV footage, which she said captured the alleged violent disorder, during which a sledge hammer, a crow bar and a hurley were used by the three accused. When Gardaí arrived, no weapons were present, she said.
The court was furnished with a medical report and photographs relating to Mr Payne’s injuries and heard that he received treatment from ambulance personnel at the scene, but was not taken to hospital.
Judge Bernadette Owens accepted jurisdiction and remanded all three on continuing bail to December 17 for mention to set a hearing date.
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