NIFTY 250 - Tue, Mar 9; Mayo rape jury discharged; Castlebar men jailed; Fire on Bartra Island [pic]

Jury fail to reach verdict in Mayo pub rape case

A jury in the trial of a 39-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting two children in a Mayo pub were discharged last night (Monday) after they failed to reach a verdict in the case which was heard before the Central Criminal Court in Dublin.
The 39-year-old man had pleaded not guilty to all charges. Mr Justice Barry White discharged the jury and remanded the accused on continuing bail and listed the case for mention next month when a new trial date may be set.


Mayo men jailed for 28 years after theft spree

Four travellers born in Castlebar were jailed for a total of 28 years yesterday at Winchester Crown Court in London after being found in possession of more than €1 million worth of stolen property.
The court heard that over a three year period, Charlie Ward (27), Martin Ward (31), John McDonagh (31) and Martin McDonagh (29) had stolen caravans, cars, motor homes and jewellery.




Gorse fire breaks on out on Bartra Island

Gardaí from north Mayo have travelled out to Bartra Island in Killala Bay today to investigate the cause of a fire which broke out yesterday evening.
It is believed that the island is unoccupied and that the fire started in the gorse or sand dunes on the island as a result of the recent spell of dry, fine weather. Our picture of the fire was taken by photographer Henry Wills.