Man avoids prison for assault

A man found guilty of attacking his late uncle’s tenant farmer has been spared a criminal conviction and a possible jail sentence.

Patrick Keegan, aged 46, of College Lands, Newcastle, Co Dublin, had denied assaulting Brendan Reilly, at Stoneypark, Rathcoole, on December 8, 2012. At his trial at Dublin District Court, Keegan, who had no previous criminal convictions, was found guilty by Judge Ann Ryan, who added that the victim, Mr Reilly, may have embellished his evidence.

The judge applied the Probation Offenders Act, sparing Keegan a criminal record and a possible sentence.

Mr Reilly said he had leased 15 acres from Keegan’s uncle, Maurice Murphy, who had died a few months before the alleged assault. Keegan, who was an executor of his uncle’s will, arrived in his truck to collect steel from a shed on the leased property. Mr Reilly said Keegan commented, “that field is some state, there are two big tracks in it”.

Mr Reilly said he had let another contractor use the field to get to an adjoining piece of land to remove potatoes. Mr Reilly said Keegan complained that he had not been notified. Mr Reilly said Mr Murphy had given him a “free hand”.

Mr Reilly said Keegan became aggressive and was holding a piece of steel which he threw on the ground. He claimed Keegan struck him with his hand, a “a heavy blow” to his ribcage, and also said “get the fuck out of here you fucking bastards”. He had also alleged Keegan shouted “I will kill you, you c**t”, and struck him two more times. He received a blow to his shoulder which also glanced his head.

In cross-examination, Mr Reilly agreed that Mr Murphy’s estate has asked him to vacate the property.

Keegan, in evidence, said he asked about the condition of the field and claimed Mr Reilly became aggressive and replied: “I answer to no man.” Keegan claimed he then walked out of the shed, Mr Reilly accused him of assault and was saying: “I’m getting you done.”

After reviewing the evidence, including a medical report, Judge Ryan said she had no doubt “some assault took place”. However, she said she felt Mr Reilly embellished his evidence.