Courts / Mayo / Report
Mayo man hit brother with shovel in protracted family dispute
Summary
PJ Higgins, 47, pleaded guilty at Castlebar Circuit Court to assault causing harm to his brother, Michael Higgins, at their address in Cloongullaune, Swinford, Co Mayo, on July 27, 2022. The defendant admitted to hitting the victim over the head with a shovel, an act Judge Eoin Garavan noted could easily have been fatal. Michael Higgins was taken to Mayo University Hospital unconscious and bleeding, with a CT scan revealing fluid on the brain. He was discharged three days later but reported ongoing headaches, blurred vision, and fear for his life. The court heard the incident arose from an entrenched, longstanding family dispute. Judge Garavan delayed sentencing until the conclusion of two other cases against family members to ensure all background information was available. A probation report placed PJ Higgins at moderate risk of re-offending but noted he accepts responsibility and shows genuine remorse. The judge highlighted that the offence occurred the day before PJ Higgins was due to be sentenced for a previous threat to kill or cause serious harm, for which he served 12 months in custody. Defence counsel argued the act was impulsive rather than premeditated. The matter was adjourned to July 23 to finalise the sentence.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Mayo man hit brother with shovel in protracted family dispute. Charges or matters: assault causing harm to his brother Michael Higgins at their address in Cloongullaune, Swinford, Co Mayo on July 27, 2022. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- July 27, 2022 Incident
- July 23 Adjournment
- 2026-02-19 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: assault causing harm to his brother Michael Higgins at their address in Cloongullaune, Swinford, Co Mayo on July 27, 2022 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Garavan said it was extraordinary that the offence occurred the day before PJ Higgins was due to be sentenced in relation to a threat to kill or cause serious harm, for which he served 12 months in custody.; The case was adjourned to July 23 to finalise the sentence.
Places mentioned
Topics
Related court reports
- Man avoids jail for sending sinister cards after murder
- Jemima Burke says trial 'like something in Middle Ages'
- Man who stabbed home attacker in self defence is cleared of murder
- Murder trial jury ask judge about self defence and intent
- Jury begin deliberating in Mayo murder trial
- Murder accused entitled to defend himself in own home, defence tell jury
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request