A NORTH CLARE farmer tore up a charge sheet in the presence of a Garda where he is accused of harassing a neighbour over a 12 month period.
At Ennis District Court, two further charges were brought against Jim Greene (55) of Ballyea North, Ennistymon, Co Clare.
In the new charges, Mr Greene is charged with harassing John O’Brien at Ballyea North, Ennistymon on dates between January 27th 2024 and February 18th this year contrary to Section 10 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997.
Mr Greene is also charged with causing €2,600 worth of criminal damage at Ballyea North, Inagh to a range of items owned by Mr O’Brien contrary to Section 2 of the Criminal Damage Act.
The charge lists the items as a child’s wooden rocking horse burnt in a fire valued at €600; damage to the front door to gain entry at €100; damage to at least 20 framed family photos at a value of €20 each taken off the walls and burnt; damage to a Picasso print and its picture frame that was taken off the wall and burnt at a value of €500.
The €2,600 total also includes damage to the house CCTV system that had its wires allegedly cut and camera unit sprayed with paint at €1,000.
Mr Greene has been in custody at Limerick Prison since May 7th concerning other charges relating to a neighbouring couple and Mr Greene was brought from prison to court for the new charges.
Giving evidence of arrest, charge and caution at Ennis Courthouse, Garda John Costello said that Mr Greene did not say anything after caution to the new charges “however, he tore up the two charges sheets in front of me”.
Sgt John Burke said that the new charges are indictable so a Book of Evidence will be required.
As a result, the case against Mr Greene will take place in the Circuit Court when the Book of Evidence is eventually served.
Solicitor for Mr Greene, Tara Godfrey said that she is currently awaiting a medical report on Mr Greene and she expects that it won’t be available for another three weeks.
Mr Greene currently has a bail application before the High Court.
Garda Costello said that DPP directions are still awaited concerned another case being brought against Mr Greene by Garda Brion Dolan.
In Garda Dolan’s case, Mr Greene is already accused of the burglary at the home of a neighbouring couple at Ballyhea North, Ennistymon on dates between April 2nd and April 15th last.
Ms Godfrey said that her client is a farmer with a small land-holding and has animals to look after.
Judge Alec Gabbett has remanded Mr Greene in custody to appear before Ennis District Court on July 2nd.
