Farmer to face trial for aiming rifle at gardaí during siege

A sheep farmer has been sent forward for trial to the Circuit Criminal Court, on two charges relating to having a Winchester rifle with a telescopic sight and aiming it at two gardaí during a siege at his Kerry farm.

Trained Garda negotiators had been called to the scene on the Ring of Kerry, on the night of the incident last January.

The armed regional response unit had also been tasked to the farm close to Moll’s Gap. The incident lasted a number of hours and initially involved two Kenmare-based gardaí who had reportedly responded to what had been described as a domestic incident.

John Joe Kissane, aged 47, of Eirk, Muckross, Killarney, was charged that on January 16 at that address, he threatened to kill or cause serious harm to Garda Denis O’Brien with a Winchester .270 rifle fitted with telescopic sight.

He was charged with a similar offence against Garda Seán O’Regan.

The alleged offences are contrary to both the Firearms and Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Acts. He denies the charges.

The book of evidence was served at Kenmare District Court yesterday.

In court, standing alongside his solicitor Padraig O’Connell, Mr Kissane was sent forward to the next sittings of the Circuit Criminal Court in Tralee.

Bail conditions include signing on weekly at Killarney Garda Station.

Mr Kissane opted for a Wednesday after Judge James O’Connor said he must nominate a particular day.

He must also surrender any travel documents and not interfere with any witness.

Mr O’Connell said the accused had been complying with all bail conditions to date.

He said there would be no application for legal aid.

The solicitor also said Mr Kissane strongly denies the charges.

Superintendent Flor Murphy said the DPP had directed trial on indictment and the book of evidence was complete.

Judge O’Connor formally sent the accused forward for trial.