Violent disorder incident in Limerick after ‘call-out’

A LIMERICK MAN pleaded guilty to violent disorder following a “call-out” by another party to a family member to settle a dispute.

Patrick Casey, aged 49, of Clonlong Halting Site, Southill admitted to the offence at Limerick Circuit Court.

Prosecuting barrister John O’Sullivan, instructed by State Solicitor Padraig Mawe, outlined the case with the assistance of Detective Garda Gary Laide.

Mr O’Sullivan said the incident at around 5pm on January 4, 2020 arose from a dispute between the Casey family and other named individuals.

The court heard a man had left his sister’s house in the Prospect area and walked to the Hyde Road.

“He was confronted by members of the Casey family. One had a knife, another had a hockey stick. They proceeded to threaten him. The accused didn’t have a weapon. He (the victim) was chased back to his sister’s house where there was quite a violent incident. He was effectively pulled into the house for his own safety. The house was under attack from a number of males,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

The members of the Casey family then left the area.

Mr O’Sullivan said a few days earlier on New Year’s Eve there was a disagreement between the brother of the victim and a member of the Casey family (not the accused). The victim’s brother issued a call-out to a member of the Casey family (not the accused).

“It was with the intention of arranging a fight and settling a dispute. Tensions were high,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

The court heard there was CCTV footage of the movements of the accused and other accused on the day in question.

Mr O’Sullivan said a victim impact statement was canvassed but he didn’t wish to make one.

The prosecuting barrister, in summing up, said Mr Casey was part of the pursuit but did not hit anyone or have any weapons.

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Mr O’Sullivan asked Det Garda Laide if Mr Casey was a senior member of the Casey family and if his presence was in support of others? “Yes,” said Det Garda Laide.

Mr O’Sullivan said Mr Casey has a number of previous convictions including for the “somewhat unusual” hijacking of a lorry at the Kilmurry roundabout.

“It was after a funeral. He may have been worse for wear. It was to take them back to the city,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

Pat Barriscale, barrister for Mr Casey, said his client instructs him that while he was there he took a peripheral part.

Mr Barriscale put it to Det Garda Laide that Mr Casey was trying to persuade a member of the Casey family and another party not to fight.

“I find that difficult to believe,” said Det Garda Laide.

Mr Barriscale said his client did not have a weapon and did not engage with the injured party.

“He has his own issues regarding mental health and his physical health. Because his family moved around as much as they did he finished his education at 12,” said Mr Barriscale, who added that Mr Casey wants the best for his children.

Judge Tom O’Donnell said it was a very violent incident.

“I know Mr Casey is trying to distance himself but he was an active participant. I accept he had no weapon and didn’t assault anyone. He was involved in the chase in broad daylight. It must have been a frightening experience for the other parties and the public at large. It is a well-populated area. This kind of behaviour is not acceptable in civilised society,” said Judge

O’Donnell, who imposed a two year prison sentence, suspended for two years.