A round-up of today's other stories in brief
Member of 'depraved barbarians' gang gets 18 years for burglary
A man who was part of what a judge called a gang of “depraved barbarians” who pushed their way into the home of a couple and demanded money amid threats and violence has been given an 18-year sentence.
Michael Delaney (36), Tyrconnell Road, Inchicore, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to aggravated burglary with a hammer and the false imprisonment of James and Sally Mountaine at their Templeogue home on February 3rd, 2010.
Delaney has 14 previous convictions. Judge Tony Hunt said the couple had suffered a terrifying experience “meted out by an organised group of depraved barbarians”. He said if it were not for the horror of this offence it would be easy to have sympathy for the medical and personal circumstances of Delaney. He imposed an 18-year sentence, suspending six years on strict conditions.
Man loses case over Dart incident
A man whose foot slipped into a gap between a moving Dart train and a platform, resulting in the loss of part of his leg, has lost his High Court action for damages. Tim O’Neill (26), a former kitchen porter, Woodbine Close, Raheny, Dublin, had got off the Dart train at Killester with a group of his friends on Halloween night, 2002, when the incident occurred.
He sued Iarnród Éireann alleging negligence. Iarnród Éireann denied the claims and pleaded contributory negligence. In dismissing the action yesterday, Mr Justice Éamon De Valera said the incident could only be explained by Mr O’Neill’s carelessness.
Interim court order against cork piggery
The Environmental Protection Agency has secured a temporary High Court order against the owners of a piggery that allegedly poses a significant risk to human health and the environment.
The agency was granted the interim injunction yesterday against Rory and Monica O’Brien, trading as Rory and Monica O’Brien Pig Enterprises, Mitchelstown, Co Cork. It was granted on an ex-parte basis.