Elderly couple and son accused of harassing farmer

A COUPLE and their son appeared in court yesterday charged with harassing a farmer over a disputed right of way.

The dispute between Joseph Scales and the Madigan family dates back to 2002. Yesterday Mr Scales, aged 63, described how during an alleged assault by Joseph Madigan, aged 33, three dogs owned by the Madigans pulled at him as he lay on the ground.

At a special sitting of Ennis District Court, Joseph Madigan and his mother Anne Madigan, aged 65, of Callura West, Ennistymon, Co Clare, were charged with assaulting Mr Scales at Callura West, on November 28, 2010. Anne Madigan, her son, and her husband, PJ Madigan, aged 68, are also charged with harassing Mr Scales on dates between January and December last year. The Madigans deny all charges.