Courts / Roscommon / Report

Farmer made false statement about missing cattle that were in his neighbour's shed

Summary

A Roscommon farmer's appeal against his conviction for making a false statement to gardaí has been dismissed by the Court of Appeal. Gerard Harrington, of Marian Road, Boyle, was convicted in July 2021 at Tullamore Circuit Criminal Court of reporting ten cattle missing when they were located in a neighbouring farmer's shed. He had been fined €6,500 in October 2021. The Court of Appeal heard 34 grounds of appeal, including claims that oppressive trial conditions and jury seating arrangements during Covid restrictions warranted a retrial. Mr Justice John Edwards rejected these submissions, finding the prosecution case had been sufficiently strong for jury consideration and that the trial judge had appropriately managed evidentiary issues. The court concluded the trial was satisfactory and the verdict was safe, upholding Harrington's conviction.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Farmer made false statement about missing cattle that were in his neighbour's shed. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Convicted

When:

• July 26, 2021 Hearing Or Sentence
• October 2021 Hearing Or Sentence
• October 2015 Other
• 2024-05-16 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal

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Read the original CNI report