Man denies sending pig’s head to garda’s home

A man has pleaded not guilty to sending a pig’s head to the home of a garda in Co Clare.

At Ennis Circuit Court, Brendan Mahoney (47), of Cabra Park, Dublin 7, pleaded not guilty to the offence of sending the pig’s head to the home of a garda in January 2012.

Counsel for the State, Stephen Coughlan BL, said it will be alleged that 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 evidence 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 26th, 2012.

In court on Tuesday, 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 on Wednesday.

Mr Mahoney denies posting a packet that contained an article that was menacing, namely a pig’s head.

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

The trial is due to last two to three days.