A retired man, who on one occasion kicked his neighbour in the leg and on another date threw blocks at him and hit him in the upper body and head with a spade, was given a suspended sentence at Ballina District Court on Tuesday.
The facts of both cases, which were heard last year, outlined that Liam Walsh, Culleens, Kilalla Road, Ballina, kicked his neighbour, Benny Holmes, on the leg while they were in Ballina town on Friday January 18 2008. On Saturday February 16 2008, Walsh also threw building blocks at Holmes and assaulted him with a spade.
Sentencing was adjourned by Judge Mary Devins until this week’s sitting where a number of conditions were to have been adhered to - that Walsh have no contact with Benny Holmes or any member of his family, was to not interfere with Mr Holmes’ lands in any way, and to keep the peace.
The court heard on Tuesday from solicitor for Mr Holmes, Peter Loftus, that Benny Holmes’ employer has received calls from Walsh in relation to Mr Holmes; that Walsh’s wife was showing pictures to people of what they believe Mr Holmes did to her husband; and civil proceedings are being brought against Mr Holmes. The defendant denied these claims.
Judge Mary Devins convicted and fined the defendant €500 for the section two assault in January 2008 and sentenced him to three months in prison, suspended for 12 months. For the section two assault on February 16, Walsh was convicted and fined €750 and sentenced to three months consecutive, suspended for 12 months. Recognisances were fixed in the event of an appeal.
