Couple left ‘disgusted’ after neighbour avoids jail

A couple who were harassed by ‘a neighbour from hell’ over six years have stated that “justice wasn’t served” after the man was given a suspended sentence.

Ray and Patrizia Crowley were speaking after Judge Gerald Keys imposed a three-year suspended jail term on retired Department of Agriculture officer Martin McLoughlin.

At Ennis Circuit Court, McLoughlin, aged 68, of Ballymaconna, Barefield, Ennis, Co Clare, was convicted last November of threatening to kill Mr Crowley in 2010 and harassing the Crowleys from October 1, 2006, to March 31, 2012.

Outside court, Mr Crowley said: “We are totally disgusted with that verdict with what we have been through as a family. Our lives have been destroyed.”

Mrs Crowley added: “Justice wasn’t served… we got the life sentence.”

Solicitor for the McLoughlins, John Devane said that they can now get on with their lives and from here on in will have a peaceful life.

Judge Keys imposed four sentences ranging from 18 months to three years on McLoughlin. However, Judge Keys told him “because of your background, your age and I hope, your remorse, I am prepared to suspend all of these sentences for a period of four years”.

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