Man wielded timber handle at his neighbour
Judge Vincent Deane said he believed the incident was a “once-off” and decided to apply the benefit of the Probation Act.
A man waved a large timber handle at his neighbour who he wrongly believed had thrown stones at his window.
Francis Moran, aged 52, of St Michael’s Estate, Foxford, appeared before Ballina District Court.
On January 4, 2025, Gardai were alerted to a dispute between neighbours.
Moran alleged that stones had been thrown at his window and he confronted a neighbour while wielding a large wooden handle.
The injured party contacted Gardai who found Moran outside his own home with the timber handle.
He told officers: “I can’t win.” Moran has no previous convictions. Solicitor Peter Lofus handed into the court a letter of apology from his client. He said Moran has also made a sizeable donation to Mayo Roscommon Hospice.
Mr Loftus said Moran wrongly believed his neighbour was responsible for issues around his property and “took out his frustrations”.
Judge Vincent Deane said he believed the incident was a “once-off” and decided to give Moran the benefit of the Probation Act.
“He only gets one chance,” the Judge commented.
