This article is from page 6 of the 2006-03-14 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 6 JPG
A MAN who threatened he would drive a hatchet through a woman’s head has pleaded guilty to a string of offences at Miltown Malbay District Court.
Bart Russell, with addresses at The Mews, Kilrush Road, Ennis, and Seafield Road, Quilty, is facing the charges, arising out of an incident at Seafield Road, Quilty, on July 15, 2004.
Superintendent Eamon Dolan told the court that as a result of children throwing stones, the accused followed a girl as she cycled past his home.
As a result, she was very distraught and the girl’s mother called to the accused’s home.
“He threatened he would kill her, by driving a hatchet through her forehead,” he said, adding that when gardaí arrived on the scene. Russell then attempted to hit Garda Joe O’Donoghue with the hatchet.
The superintendent told the court that the DPP consented to a summary disposal of the case, in the district court.
Defence solicitor John Casey applied to adjourn the case for two months, saying the accused was due to meet with his psychiatrist the following day. Judge Joseph Mangan agreed, and ordered that a Probation Report be compiled.
Mr Russell is also facing a charge of arson and criminal damage, at Moyglass, Mullagh, on April 18, 2005.
This case was adjourned for preparation of the Book of Evidence.
He will appear in court again next month on those charges.