Man faces trial over posting of pig's head

A DUBLIN man has appeared in court in connection with sending a pig’s head in the post to the home of a garda.

At Kilrush District Court yesterday, Brendan Mahoney (45), Cabra Park, was accused of posting on January 26th last a packet that contained a pig’s head.

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

A Garda investigation was launched last January after the arrival of the severed animal’s head to the home of the Co Clare garda.

Garda Sgt Ronan O’Hara gave evidence in court that he had served the book of evidence on Mr Mahoney before court yesterday.

Judge Pat Durcan remarked “interesting charge, Sgt O’Hara”, after he was handed the book of evidence and he had read the charge.

Garda Insp Tom Kennedy said the Director of Public Prosecutions had consented that Mr Mahoney could be sent forward for trial to the next sitting of Ennis Circuit Court on October 16th.

Thomas O’Donnell, for Mr Mahoney, applied for two counsel to represent his client in the Circuit Court “due to the complexity of the case”.

In response, Garda Insp Kennedy said that the application could be made before the Circuit Court in October, to which Judge Durcan agreed.

Mr Mahoney only spoke to confirm that his solicitor was Michael Hanahoe, Parliament Street, Dublin.

Addressing Mr Mahoney, Judge Durcan told him that if an alibi formed part of his defence he had 14 days in which to provide such evidence to the State.

Garda Sgt O’Hara said Mr Mahoney could be further remanded on bail on the same terms that include that he stay out of Co Clare.

Judge Durcan remanded Mr Mahoney on bail to appear before Ennis Circuit Court on October 16th.