Farm worker walks free over hostage taking

A farm worker who subjected a gardener, his daughter and her fiancé to a double-barrelled shotgun hostage ordeal yesterday walked free from court.

Farm worker, Tom Howard, aged 50, of Gortnaminch, Listowel, Co Kerry, walked free after a jury found him not guilty by reason of insanity at the time of eight separate charges arising from the three-hour drama at Donnybrook House, Sixmilebridge, Co Clare, on July 2 last.

In the incident in the grounds of the home, Mr Howard fired his shotgun in a bid to startle Declan Finn who overpowered him.