More court reports in brief.
Jury in assault case fails to reach verdict
The jury in the trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court of a man charged with assaulting an American brothel keeper has been discharged after it failed to reach a verdict. David Hanney (30), Lower Oriel Street, Dublin, denied assaulting Tanya Marshall causing her harm at her home on March 5th, 2003. It was day two of the trial.
Fire fighter's action struck out
An action for damages brought by a Dublin fire fighter for alleged hearing loss due to exposure to sirens and bells has been struck out at the High Court. The case by David Conroy began last week and was to resume yesterday. But David Hardiman SC, for Mr Conroy, said the action could be struck out with no order. Mr Justice Paul Butler struck out the case.
Mr Conroy (48), Auburn Drive, Castleknock, Dublin, had sued Dublin City Council alleging he sustained hearing loss from exposure to loud sirens and bells in the fire station and in particular on tenders. He said he was shocked when told six years ago he had a hearing loss.
Mr Conroy became a fireman in 1981 and has been stationed at Phibsborough Fire Station for most of his career.
May Day protester pays €1,000
An assault charge against a May Day protester who struck a TV3 cameraman across the nose with a beer can was dismissed yesterday after he paid €1,000 compensation.
Horticultural student Ronan O'Dulaine (28), Oultan Road, Clontarf, Dublin, pleaded guilty last month to assaulting Conan Doyle during a quickly extinguished riot at the anti-EU accession protest in May 2004. Judge Brian Sheridan dismissed the charge under the Probation Act, leaving him without a criminal record.
Man jailed over threat to kill
A man who threatened to kill a Filipino national shortly after being released from an eight-year jail term has been jailed for six years by Judge Frank O'Donnell at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Gerard Kane (28), Barrett Street, Dún Laoghaire pleaded guilty to threatening to kill or cause serious harm to Nestor Tebangin and his wife, and to trespass with intent to commit assault while having a metal poker on December 4th, 2003.
Kane had been released from an eight-year prison sentence for aggravated burglary just days before the incident at Lower George's Street, Dún Laoghaire.
The judge noted that his 13 previous convictions seemed to relate to his drug addiction. He suspended the last three years on condition that Kane keep the peace and be of good behaviour for those three years.
Alcohol sales shut Spar for three days
A judge yesterday ordered the closure of a supermarket for three days after it sold alcohol to two teenagers. Ashglen Property Co Ltd, trading as Spar, O'Connell Street, Dublin, pleaded guilty to selling six cans of beer to a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old on February 18th last year. Dublin District Court heard they were stopped by gardaí after leaving the shop and were brought back in where the offence was admitted.
Judge Timothy Lucey ordered that the three-day closure order come into effect in 30 days. He also fined the firm €400.