This article is from page 39 of the 2006-12-19 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 39 JPG
THE acquittal of farmer Pádraig Nally, who had been accused of killing of ‘Frog’ Ward, is not a licence to kill a person who comes to your door, according to an Ennis solicitor.
Solicitor Helen Rackard, of Michael Houlihan solicitors in Ennis, said the circumstances of each case regarding self-defence are unique and each jury differs.
Nally was found not guilty last week by a jury at the Central Criminal Court of killing traveller ‘Frog’ Ward at his Mayo farm, over two years ago.
The verdict came after over 15 hours deliberations. Nally had admitted shooting ‘Frog’ Ward and hitting him up to 20 times with a stick, but said he acted out of fear.
Ms Rackard said another jury could have reached a different decision.
“I am not sure things have changed that much because of one case, particularly when it is a jury decision. Each case’s circumstances are peculiar to that case. It could be a completely different outcome on another week,” she said.
“I don’t think it is a licence to shoot anybody that comes to your door. You will still be facing charges. The standard is still reasonable force,” said Ms Rackard.
“Self-defence and using reasonable force are commensurate with the amount of force used against you. It has always been ‘’using reasonable force’ proportionately. This is why this case is so controversial. There is some uncertainty now. It is another area where the government is going to have to legislate on. I would be reluctant to say this case has changed things dramatically,” she said.