Judge Mary Devins granted a civil order at Ballina District Court this week prohibiting Ann Collins, 124 Greenhills Estate, Ballina, and James Collins, 68 Riverside Drive, Ballina, from engaging in antisocial behaviour—it is an arrestable offence if they breach the order.
At a previous court sitting Superintendent Joe Doherty made an application under the Criminal Justice Act 2006, Section 115, for a civil order against Ann and James Collins.
The application was made following numerous complaints from residents in both estates, which resulted in three antisocial behaviour warnings being issued to the defendants by gardaí, however these warnings were not adhered to.
Superintendent Doherty asked that a statement from one of the residents be read out in court. The statement from a home owner who lives next to James Collins and his family said that “my life has been hell” since the Collins family moved in as they have gone out of their way “to upset me and my husband”. The neighbour said that the Collins house hold parties, dump rubbish in her back garden, are loud in the house while playing pool, and James Collins had urinated on her fence. The hardworking woman said she and her husband, who have been married for five years, cannot think of starting a family while living next to this situation.
Supt Doherty said that this couple are at “their wits end” and he said that such anti-social behaviour in the Ballina district “will not be tolerated”.
Solicitor for both defendants John Gordan said that both agree to the order. On consent the order was made.
The order prevents Ann and James Collins from engaging in antisocial behaviour; being drunk or disorderly, or allowing people to drink or act disorderly on their properties; to not play loud music; to not shout or threaten neighbours; to not rev the car engine; to not allow house parties and James Collins must not urinate in the neighbours’ garden.
