Armagh man in “absolute mental frenzy” during alleged assault, witness tells trial

Two men have pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm at Castleblaney, County Monaghan on 24 November 2012. Eugene Hanratty Snr, aged 57, of Castleblaney Road, Crossmaglen, and Eugene Hanratty Jnr, aged 34, of Dundalk Road, Crossmaglen, both deny the charge relating to the alleged assault of Martin McAllister. The prosecution case alleges that the younger defendant used a jeep to block the victim's vehicle before his father emerged and initiated a sustained assault. A witness testified that the alleged victim sustained fractures to his nose and both eye sockets. The defence has characterised the incident as a dispute between two acquainted men, attributing the conflict to disagreement over shooting rights at a nearby duck sanctuary. Evidence was also heard from gardaí and other witnesses during proceedings.