Limerick farmer choked and threatened to kill neighbour over cattle, court hears
A FARMER allegedly threatened to kill a neighbour, put his hands around his throat and caused him to lose consciousness over the movement of cattle, a court has heard.
Stephen Holland, aged 48, of Corcamore, Clarina was before Newcastle West Court charged with one count of Section 3 assault causing harm.
Inspector Barry Manton, prosecuting on behalf of the State, set out the allegations for Judge Carol Anne Coolican so she could decide whether to deal with the case at district court level or send it forward to the circuit court.
Insp Manton said it is alleged that Mr Holland had an altercation with a man who rents a neighbouring farm at Corcamore, Clarina on May 27, 2023.
“It is alleged the accused put his two hands around his (alleged victim’s) throat and effectively wedged him against a shed. He lost consciousness,” alleged Insp Manton.
The garda inspector further alleged that Mr Holland said to his neighbour: “I’m going to kill you. You don’t realise how much I can f*** you up.”
Insp Manton alleged that the victim experienced pain in his head and dizziness following the incident.
“It was over the movement of cattle,” alleged Insp Manton.
Ted McCarthy, solicitor for Mr Holland during the brief procedural matter at the beginning of Newcastle West Court on Thursday, January 18, said it is a contested matter.
“There is a certain over-egging of the pudding,” said Mr McCarthy.
Judge Coolican said she was refusing jurisdiction (hearing the case at district court level) “in light of the medical report” that was before her.
The matter was adjourned until a date in March in Newcastle West Court for DPP’s directions.