Limerick man fined over dispute with neighbour during which shovel handle was produced

A YOUNG man who became embroiled in a verbal dispute with a neighbour was fined after he pleaded guilty to charges arising from the incident.

At Kilmallock Court, Judge Patricia Harney was told that on July 13, 2024, gardai were alerted to a disturbance at Millmount, Kilmallock.

Inspector Gearóid Thompson said the defendant - James Daly, aged 21, of Millmount, Kilmallock - was involved in an altercation with another man at 10:23am.

Both men, he added, live in close proximity to each other and the second man is also before the courts. 

Outlining the circumstances of the incident, Insp Thompson said Mr Daly approached a vehicle in which his neighbour was travelling and that this man then "produced a weapon" - namely a timber handle from a shovel.

"They squared up to each other," he said, confirming there was no assault. 

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Having attended the scene, gardai seized the weapon and an investigation was launched. 

Both men admitted they were at fault following the dispute and there have been no call outs from garda since.

Solicitor Cathal Quirke said on the morning of the incident his client had taken exception to a "disparaging comment" regarding his family and that both men have "made up" since.

Mr Daly has a number of previous convictions, for road traffic offences and theft. He has "engaged positively" in community initiatives since the altercation. 

Upon hearing facts of the case, Judge Patricia Harney fined the Kilmallock man €200, giving him two months to pay.