Judge John Neilan has warned a man that he will not be allowed to bully his solicitor or victims in an assault case in which he is a defendant.
Thomas Donoghue is accused of assaulting a couple at their home. He is alleged to have assaulted Mary Donoghue and to have assaulted her partner Michael Coyne causing him harm. They live at 11 Newpark, Gort, Kinnegad.
Mr Coyne required 12 stitches to the back of his head following the incident in which a number of people were involved.
Statements made by both were read out in court when it was suggested that they no longer wished to proceed with the prosecution.
Judge Nielan also observed Mr Donoghue appear to threaten his solicitor Ms Patricia Cronin, and suggested he was “competent to convey the same tactics to the victims and put them in fear”.
He described Mr Donoghue’s attitude as “bullyboy in the extreme”.
It was clarified to the court that the prosecution was proceeding and the case will be heard in April.
