Courts / Roscommon / Report

Injured Belgian Shepard had to be euthanised at Roscommon eviction farm, trial hears

Date
2023-03-23

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Roscommon

Summary

At the ongoing Roscommon eviction trial, a veterinarian testified that an injured Belgian Shepard dog was euthanised due to severe open wounds and distress following an attack at a property in Falsk, outside Strokestown. The incident occurred on December 16, 2018, five days after the property was repossessed. Patrick Sweeney (44), Martin O'Toole (58), Paul Beirne (56), and David Lawlor (43) have each pleaded not guilty to 17 charges at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The charges include false imprisonment, assault causing harm, aggravated burglary, arson, criminal damage, violent disorder, robbery, and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. The prosecution alleges that a group of approximately 30 armed men attacked four security guards present at the property. Security company owner Ian Gordon stated that one of the attackers struck the dog with a baseball bat, causing severe injuries. The trial continues before Judge Martina Baxter and a jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Injured Belgian Shepard had to be euthanised at Roscommon eviction farm, trial hears. Charges or matters: 17 charges each at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

December 11, 2018 Incident
December 16, 2018 Incident
2023-03-23 Publication