Ballyhaunis man charged with unlawful killing of his son

ON BAIL Defendant John Tighe is pictured at Castlebar District Court last week. Pic: Keith Heneghan/Phocus

A BALLYHAUNIS man has been released on bail after he was charged with the unlawful killing of his infant son who died in June 2013.
John Tighe of Lavallyroe, Ballyhaunis, appeared before last Tuesday’s sitting of Castlebar District Court after he was arrested at his home on Monday, May 16. He was charged with unlawful killing and willful neglect of a child and the court heard he made no reply after each charge.
Inspector Tom Calvey told the court that the directions from Director of Public Prosecutions was for the accused to stand trial before the Central Criminal Court. He informed Judge Mary Devins that he was objecting to bail because of the seriousness of the charge and the nature of the evidence.
Mr Alan Gannon, solicitor for Mr Tighe, said this was a ‘tremendously sad case’ and his client was distraught by the death of his son. He said he was pleading not guilty and anxious for movement on the trial in order to put it behind him.
The court heard that Mr Tighe was interviewed over a 24-hour period in July 2015 and is still with the mother of the deceased child. They have subsequently had a second child last October. Since the birth of the second child, the family and child agency, Tusla, have got involved and the parents are not living together due to childcare issues.

Support
Mr Gannon explained that the child’s mother was standing by Mr Tighe and was in court along with a neighbour to support him.
He added was applying for bail on the grounds that his client has co-operated with the investigation and was willing to abide by the conditions of the court. He said he was living in his family home and was getting support from neighbours. A neighbour was available in court to act as Independent surety, Mr Gannon said.
Insp Calvey said he could not disagree with the facts as outlined by Mr Gannon but felt duty bound to apply for Mr Tighe to be remanded in custody. He told Judge Mary Devins he did not believe the defendant to be a flight risk and the essence of his bail objections was the seriousness of the charges.
Judge Devins granted bail but because of issues over the Independent surety of €2,000, Mr Tighe was remanded in Castlebar Garda Station overnight to resolve those issues. Bail was eventually granted 24 hours later subject to conditions including the surrendering of his passport. Mr Tighe is to appear before Castlebar District Court on July 5 for the service of the book of evidence.