Man denies sending a pig’s head to garda

A Dublin man charged with sending a pig’s head to the home of a garda yesterday pleaded not guilty to the alleged offence.

At Ennis Circuit Court, Brendan Mahoney, aged 47, of 74 Cabra Park, Dublin, pleaded not guilty to the offence in January 2012.

Counsel for the State Stephen Coughlan BL said it will be alleged Mr Mahoney sent the pig’s head to the home of Garda Paul Heaslip, who was living in the Percy French estate in Kilkee at the time. Mr Coughlan said the jury will hear from gardaí and from An Post staff based in Clare and Dublin.

Garda Heaslip was stationed in Kilrush at the time of the alleged offence on January 26, 2012.

In court yesterday, a jury of seven men and five women were sworn in to hear the case and Judge Gerald Keyes has told them the trial will start today.

Mr Mahoney denies posting a packet on January 26, 2012, that contained an article that was menacing — a pig’s head.

The charge is brought under legislation as being contrary to section 55 of the Communities Regulations (Postal Services) Act 2011.

The trial is due to last two to three days.

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