Man struck brother over the head with a shovel
The case was heard before Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court.
A man struck his brother over the head with a shovel, a court has heard.
PJ Higgins, aged 47, of Cloongullane, Swinford, pleaded guilty at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court to an assault charge.
Gda Sgt Michael McHugh told the court that the incident occurred on July 27, 2022 at Cloongullaune. The injured party, Michael Higgins, aged 51, of Carrowbaun, Swinford was dosing sheep with his children Christopher and Veronica. The children were moving sheep while Michael was in a shed. PJ Higgins arrived and shouted at Christopher that he did not have a problem with him but wanted a “one-one-one” with his father.
At 9.10pm, Michael and his children were working in the shed when they heard PJ roaring at his brother to come out. PJ entered the shed and took his top off. He was irate and shouting at Michael. He told his brother: ‘Come over here now, I’m going to do you.’ PJ picked up a shovel and struck Michael on the head which caused him to fall to the ground, banging his head on the concrete floor and passing out.
PJ told his brother that he owed him “Ten grand for all the trouble you have caused.” Michael Higgins said he continues to suffer headaches following the assault.
The court heard there is a long-running “history” between the brothers with a family dispute ongoing for 30 years. Criminal proceedings against the injured party are pending in the circuit court which are also connected to the dispute.
The court was told an alleged incident involving Michael Higgins and his sister Mary occurred earlier on the same day of the assault carried out by PJ, who committed the offence the night before a sentencing hearing on another matter for which he received a jail term.
Barrister Mark Ryan, representing PJ Higgins, said his client maintains that his brother picked up a shovel first. The offence was not pre-meditated and PJ felt his sister Mary was under threat and wanted to resolve the matter.
Mr Ryan said his client fully accepts his wrong-doing and his actions were “impulsive and misguided". The barrister said the dispute cannot be allowed to continue and PJ does not want it to carry on with future generations.
Judge Eoin Garavan said it was clearly a serious matter.
“A man was attacked with a shovel to the head. This easily could have been a fatal injury."
Judge Garavan said he would not finalise the matter until the criminal proceedings against the injured party come before the court. The case was adjourned until July 23.
- Published as part of the Courts Reporting Scheme.
