Mayo court hears claims clamper was assaulted by motorist in Castlebar carpark

A SLIGO man appeared in court in Mayo accused of assaulting a clamper and chasing him into a Castlebar pharmacy before assaulting another member of the public.

Stephen McIntyre (36) of Meadow Brook, Tubbercurry, Co Sligo appeared before Castlebar District Court charged with two counts of assault causing harm, criminal damage and attempted robbery following alleged incidents close to Boots pharmacy in Castlebar on April 24, 2025.

It is alleged that Mr McIntyre assaulted a clamper who clamped his car in the carpark outside Boots before chasing him into Boots pharmacy. It is also alleged that he returned to the pharmacy and assaulted a female who was recording the incident on her phone.

Court presenter, Sergeant John Reilly told the court that the DPP had directed the matter to be dealt with summarily in the district court but only on a guilty plea.

CCTV footage of the alleged incident was shown to Judge Sandra Murphy for her to determine jurisdiction and the alleged facts were given by Garda Deborah Gilroy.

Judge Murphy was informed that at around 12.45pm gardaí received a report that a person was assaulted in the carpark outside Boots.

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Garda Gilroy explained that it is alleged that Mr McIntyre's car was clamped in the car park and had asked the clamper to remove the clamp. She said that it is alleged that Mr McIntyre was not happy with what the clamper said to him and punched him in the back of the head before chasing him into Boots.

The clamper managed to seek refuge in the office of the manager of Boots and Mr McIntyre was asked to leave the store.

Garda Gilroy said that while Mr McIntyre was in the store, a female member of the public was recording the incident on her phone and it is alleged that he tried to take the phone off her. It is alleged he grabbed her and knocked her to the ground and punched her in the head. It is alleged that he caused damage to her jacket during the incident.

The court heard that Mr McIntyre was arrested at 1.50pm and brought to Castlebar Garda Station where he was detained and questioned.

Sgt Reilly confirmed that CCTV had captured the incident and said that the State had agreed to withdraw two counts of assault and one count of engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour in a public place.

Mr Gary Mulchrone, solicitor for Mr McIntyre asked that he be served with disclosure in relation to the case and after that indicated a certain course of action may be taken.

Judge Murphy commented that after witnessing the CCTV footage and hearing the allegations against the defendant, she was refusing jurisdiction.

The matter was adjourned until May 20 for service of the book of evidence and Mr Mulchrone said he would liaise with the State Solicitor in relation to whether his client may enter a signed plea.