Gardaí awaiting DPP direction on Ballinrobe assaults

Gardaí awaiting DPP direction on Ballinrobe assaults


THREE cousins who have been accused of being involved in a serious assault in Ballinrobe last month were remanded on continuing bail to appear before Ballinrobe District Court on October 23.
Eddie Sweeny (20), New Street, Ballinrobe and his cousin Paddy Sweeney (21) with an address at Bog Road, Ballinrobe are both charged with assault causing harm to 27-year-old John Francis Reddington at New Street Ballinrobe on August 16.
Jimmy Sweeney (25) of 10, Glendallan, Co Sligo, a brother of Eddie Sweeney, is charged with assault causing harm to John O’Malley on the same date at Neale Road, also in Ballinrobe. All three men had been remanded on continuing bail.
Inspector Martin Byrne told the court that the assault on August 16 had required an extensive investigation with over 100 statements taken. He explained that the file had just been completed and they were still awaiting direction from the DPP. Judge Mary Devins remanded both Eddie Sweeney and Paddy Sweeney on continuing bail on the same terms.
One of the bail conditions for James Sweeney was that he stayed out of Mayo and an application was made for that to be relaxed to allow him to train in Kiltimagh boxing club. His solicitor said he would be training up to four times a week and gave an undertaking not to go near Ballinrobe. Inspector Byrne said he did not object to him going training but was suspicious of whether he needed to train four times a week.
The court heard that Mr Sweeney had represented Ireland at boxing and was on an extensive training programme. Insp Byrne said he would have no problem with him training as long as he left the area again afterwards.
Judge Devins said she would amend the bail condition but if he breached the condition she said it would be brought to the court’s attention at the earliest possible opportunity.