Courts / Longford / Report

Man accused of being armed with Pit bull named 'Buster' admits new charges

Date
2020-09-11

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Longford

Summary

A 40-year-old man from Longford has pleaded guilty to two counts of resisting arrest at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Brian Farrell initially faced charges of assaulting gardaí and possessing a claw hammer and knuckle duster following an incident at Sallynoggin Road on October 16th, 2016. The prosecution withdrew those charges following his guilty pleas on the second day of trial. Garda evidence during the proceedings indicated that when officers attended Farrell's home, he emerged holding a Pit bull terrier and a claw hammer, and allegedly directed the dog to attack gardaí. Farrell's defence disputed this account, stating he was recording activity outside his home when he was tackled by gardaí. The trial revealed significant disagreement between prosecution and defence regarding the presence of the dog and the nature of the arrest. Judge Martin Nolan remanded Farrell on continuing bail and adjourned sentencing to October 16th. Brian Farrell pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man accused of being armed with Pit bull named 'Buster' admits new charges. Charges or matters: possession of a claw-hammer and knuckleduster and assaulting two gardai at Sallynoggin Road on October 16, 2016; two charges of resisting arrest by Garda Eamonn Moylan and Garda Garvan Allen at Sallynoggin Road on October 16, 2016; possession of a knuckle duster. Procedural stage: trial

When:

October 16, 2016 Incident
October 16th Adjournment
2020-09-11 Publication

Why: Mr Cole put it to him that Mr Farrell denies there were dogs at the premise and that his dogs had been moved because there was fear they could be harmed. CNI source report

Case subjects

Brian Farrell

Defendant

Charges: possession of a claw-hammer and knuckleduster and assaulting two gardai at Sallynoggin Road on October 16, 2016; two charges of resisting arrest by Garda Eamonn Moylan and Garda Garvan Allen at Sallynoggin Road on October 16, 2016; possession of a knuckle duster (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Outcome: That was the mystery in my mind." Judge Nolan remanded Farrell on continuing bail and adjourned sentencing until October 16th next.