Courts / Westmeath / Report

Man who allegedly breached court orders asks judge to call him by first name

Summary

Daragh Coyne, a defendant from Mullingar, Co Westmeath, appeared before the High Court on Wednesday following his arrest by gardai. He is alleged to be in contempt of court orders obtained by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), which prohibit him from interfering with Milltownpass Bog, a designated National Heritage Area. The NPWS claims Coyne failed to comply with an April injunction against unauthorised works and a subsequent order to remove a gate he erected on an old turf cutter's track. Sworn statements from two Park Rangers allege that turf was illegally cut and waste, including scrap metal, fuel, and invasive cherry laurel, was dumped on the site, damaging the NHA. They also noted turf-cutting equipment was stored nearby, despite Coyne denying its use. Coyne, who is unrepresented, told the court he did nothing wrong and objected to being addressed as "Mr Coyne," requesting to be called "Daragh." Justice Anthony Barr rejected this request for the hearing. Coyne claimed he had sent documents outlining his case to the court, but the judge stated there was no record of receipt. James O'Donnell BL, representing the NPWS, stated his client did not wish to see anyone jailed but had no alternative due to Coyne's failure to engage. In these circumstances, the judge adjourned the matter to Thursday's sitting, allowing Coyne to obtain copies of the documents setting out his position. The judge directed gardai to return Coyne to his home and bring him back to court, warning that the contempt hearing would proceed in his absence if he failed to return.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man who allegedly breached court orders asks judge to call him by first name. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• 2020-06-10 Publication

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Read the original CNI report