This article is from page 14 of the 2010-02-02 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
A WOMAN who complained about loud music got more than she bar- gained for as the neighbour she com- plained to arrived at her house a few hours later with a spade.
Arising out of the incident, Seamus Nestor, of Cluain Ard, Clarecas- tle, was charged with threatening a woman in the course of a dispute, at Cluain Ard, on July 7, 2009.
Inspector Michael Gallagher told Ennis District Court on Friday that loud music was being played at a house at around 7pm and a neighbour complained to the accused.
“She asked him to turn down the music as it was loud,’ he said. How- ever, Nestor laughed in the woman’s face and closed the door. At around 10.45pm he arrived at her house with a spade. The incident was witnessed by another neighbour and the court was told the witnesses were very traumatised as a result of what had
happened.
Defending solicitor John Casey said those involved live very close to each other. “At the time he (Nestor) had a serious drink problem. He had dif-
ficulties with Clare County Council at the time. It is council accommoda- tion,” he said.
‘He was wrong and he accepts he was wrong. He realises his neigh-
bours are entitled to quiet enjoyment of their own property,” he said.
“I suggest an adjournment for a pe- riod of time to leave the sword hang- ing over him. If he offends again he will face the full rigours of the law,” said Mr Casey.
However Judge Timothy Lucey was told that Nestor is still drinking and asked, “Is there any reason why it won’t happen again next week? He is still drinking.”
Mr Casey said his client is not drinking as much as he used to and has “quietened down. Perhaps in time it will settle. He would rather get on with his neighbours.”
The judge said, “It’s up to him to address his own difficulties. I can’t address them for him. He’s on the edge of a suspended sentence but perhaps a sentence would be too much, given his plea.” He imposed a fine of €400.