A Ballyhaunis man charged with the manslaughter of his infant son three years ago was released on bail, following payment of a €2,000 independent surety on Wednesday. John Tighe, with an address at Lavallyroe, Ballyhaunis, had initially appeared at Castlebar District Court on Tuesday, but was detained in Castlebar Garda Station overnight on Tuesday pending the payment and approval of the independent surety by the court.
Tighe has been charged with wilful neglect and unlawful killing on June 1, 2013 and he was remanded on bail until July, when the book of evidence will be served on him. Tighe was arrested and charged with unlawful killing and a second charge of wilful neglect on Monday night by gardai and appeared in Castlebar District Court on Tuesday morning.
Inspector Tom Calvey on behalf of the State had opposed bail given the seriousness of the charge, the nature of the evidence to be presented, and the likely sentence in the event of conviction. However, solicitor for Tighe, Alan Gannon told the court that his client denied the charges against him and was anxious for the trial to proceed. He also added that his client had first been formally interviewed in July 2015 and had twice before then voluntarily spoken with investigating gardai. Mr Gannon also said that there had been several medical reports carried out and an lengthy investigation into the case by Gardai over the years since the death. He also said that his client would abide by whatever bail conditions were imposed by the court and that his client would not apply for any travel documents. He also added that his client and the mother of the child were currently still a couple and have another child, but were living apart from each other.
