Courts / Westmeath / Report

Man released from jail after purging contempt over heritage area

Date
2020-07-10
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Mullingar
County
Westmeath

Summary

Daragh Coyne, who had been jailed for failing to obey court orders that prohibited interference with lands designated as a National Heritage Area, was released from the Four Courts after purging his contempt. Four weeks earlier, Mr Justice Anthony Barr had committed him to Mountjoy prison following a finding that Coyne was in "flagrant breach" of orders obtained by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. On Friday, Coyne returned to the judge, his counsel stating he was prepared to comply with the orders. Coyne undertook to remove a gate and signage he had installed on the lands and pledged not to cut any turf. The judge, satisfied with the undertakings, declared Coyne had purged his contempt and allowed him to leave. The judge also agreed to adjourn the matter until late July to monitor compliance with the undertakings.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man released from jail after purging contempt over heritage area. Charges or matters: failing to comply with court orders not to interfere with lands designated as a National Heritage Area. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Why: The service was concerned turf would be extracted from the NHA, because turf cutting equipment was stored close to the where the material had been dumped. CNI source report

Case subjects

Daragh Coyne

Defendant

Charges: failing to comply with court orders not to interfere with lands designated as a National Heritage Area (Alleged Or Contested)

Outcome: A man jailed for failing to comply with court orders not to interfere with lands designated as a National Heritage Area walked free from the Four Courts on Friday afternoon after purging his contempt.

Places mentioned

Facility
  • Mountjoy prison
Residence

Topics

Stage Sentence

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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