Courts / Longford / Report

Farmer who told repo men to get into pen with agitated boar alleges juror interference

Date
2017-05-08

Stage
Appeal

Court
Longford Circuit Criminal Court

Primary locality
Longford

Summary

A pig farmer from County Longford has appealed his conviction for false imprisonment and related offences, alleging interference with a juror during his trial. Donal Connaughton, aged 58, from Elfeet, Newtowncashel, was convicted in 2013 following an incident at his farm in April 2010 when he directed two repossession agents into a pen with an agitated boar. He was found guilty on charges of false imprisonment, threatening serious harm, and assault, and was sentenced to twelve months imprisonment. His barrister argued before the Court of Appeal that the trial did not proceed in accordance with law due to alleged contact between a juror and third parties. The prosecution contended the allegation lacked evidential foundation, noting that eleven of twelve jurors confirmed no interference occurred. The three-judge court reserved judgement on the appeal. Connaughton remains on bail pending the determination of the case. Donal Connaughton pleaded not guilty and was acquitted.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Farmer who told repo men to get into pen with agitated boar alleges juror interference. Charges or matters: two counts of false imprisonment, two counts of threatening to cause serious harm and two counts of assault. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Acquitted

When:

April 29, 2010 Incident
November 11, 2013 Incident
Christmas Other
2017-05-08 Publication

Why: He moved to appeal his conviction today through his barrister Colm Smyth SC, on the principle ground that he did not get a trial in accordance with law because there had been "interference with a juror". CNI source report