Psych report ordered in coercion case

A judge has ordered that a psychological report be prepared on a 57-year-old Tipperary man who pleaded guilty to the attempted coercion of the former president of Muintir na Tíre, Martin Quinn.

Peter McGrath of Barronstown, Tipperary, appeared before Clonmel Circuit Court yesterday where he was due to be sentenced. However, when the case was called, counsel for the defence, Elizabeth Jane Walsh, BL, requested that the matter be adjourned to allow for the preparation of a psychological report on the accused.

Last December, McGrath pleaded guilty to a charge of attempting to coerce Martin Quinn, aged 52, at his home on Fr Matthew Street, Tipperary town, on Dec 23, 2009, contrary to section 9 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the State Act.