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Strokestown eviction farm owner also had 170 acres, 'one or two' properties, trial hears

Summary

Patrick Sweeney, Martin O'Toole, Paul Beirne, and David Lawlor have pleaded not guilty to 17 charges each at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The defendants are alleged to have committed false imprisonment, assault causing harm, aggravated burglary, arson, criminal damage, violent disorder, robbery, and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal at Falsk, Strokestown, on December 16, 2018. The trial is currently ongoing before Judge Martina Baxter and a jury. Evidence presented includes testimony from KBC Bank officer Danny Noone, who stated the bank repossessed the property in December 2018 after legal proceedings began in 2009. Noone indicated that public records showed the mortgage holder owned approximately 170 acres and other residential properties. Defense counsel Blaise O'Carroll SC argued that the execution order used for the eviction was invalid due to a missing affidavit of non-compliance. A security guard witness described an attack by approximately 30 armed men who forced entry into the farmhouse, using weapons including batons, crowbars, and a chainsaw. The witness reported being struck and overpowered while attempting to defend himself and colleagues. The trial continues with further evidence scheduled for presentation.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Strokestown eviction farm owner also had 170 acres, 'one or two' properties, trial hears. Charges or matters: 17 charges each at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• October 2012 Incident
• December 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
• December 11th Incident
• December 11, 2018 Incident
• December 16, 2018 Incident
• 2009 and 2012 Other
• 2023-03-20 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Burglary Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report