Farmer accused of throwing cow dung at TD Anne Rabbitte said case against him was 'media hype'

Accused told court he had been 'tarnished by the media' and cannot get a job because of the case

Joseph Baldwin, 39, of Ballyaneen, Gort, leaving Ennis District Court on Friday. Picture: Press 22

The south Galway farmer accused of throwing a bag of cow dung in the direction of Minister of State Anne Rabbitte has told a court the case against him “is completely media hype pushed by higher powers over a smallish thing”.

At Ennis District Court on Friday, Joseph Baldwin, 39, of Ballyaneen, Gort, was making his second court appearance in relation to the alleged assault after speaking before Gort District Court on Thursday.

Mr Baldwin is charged with assaulting Anne Rabbitte on January 4, 2023, at a public meeting at O’Sullivan's Royal Hotel, Gort.

In court on Friday, Mr Baldwin told Judge Alec Gabbett: “This is hanging over me. I have no job. I can’t get employment over it.” 

“I have been tarnished by the media. Every time it comes up in court it is ‘man assaulted this person and assaulted that person’.” 

In reply, Judge Gabbett said: “They are all allegations and have to be proven in court in order for you to be convicted.” 

Mr Baldwin agreed, saying “they are allegations”.

He said: “I have worked for the last seven years constant. I finished up a job last February and I can’t get a job because of this.

Do you realise the cost? I have €230 per week. I have a family and I am living at home and I am looking after my mother.

“I have been speaking with a local councillor in the area who would be a good friend with Anne Rabbitte.” 

Judge Gabbett interjected to say: “Don’t say anything about the case that might prejudice." 

In reply, Mr Baldwin said “the councillor is prepared to go to court and be a character witness for me”.

Regarding the case, Mr Baldwin said: “It is completely media hype pushed by higher powers over a smallish thing.” 

He asked: “How come half of all this stuff is not all over the media?” 

In reply, Judge Gabbett said: “I don’t control the media. The public is allowed into courts to see justice being administered and it ensures that there is adequate scrutiny on the justice system.

 “Unfortunately, it doesn’t suit you and you may not like it but it is a very important part of the system.

“You are arguing that media publicity is causing you damage and the best way to deal with that is to be ready for September 13 for the hearing date.”

Mr Baldwin said: “This is being dragged out and dragged out.” 

Judge Gabbett adjourned the case to September 13 for hearing.

At the contested case, Galway East TD Anne Rabbitte will be required to provide her sworn eye witness account of what occurred on the night as part of the State case against Mr Baldwin.

Ms Rabbitte was attending the meeting to hear locals’ concerns over a planned biogas plant for Gort.

Mr Baldwin is also contesting a second charge where he is accused of using or engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting word or behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace of being reckless as to whether a breach of the peace might have been occasioned.