James Richard Hodgins wins injunction over alleged extortion

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

James Richard Hodgins secured interim High Court injunctions over alleged threats, intimidation and extortion on 26 February 2016. His farm is near Roscrea, Co Tipperary. The orders prevent 15 men, two women and their agents from approaching him or his property within 500 metres, or from intimidating, harassing, watching or besetting it. The orders were granted ex parte, with the case listed to return in two weeks. The allegations against the defendants remain claims made in the proceedings.

The court heard that Hodgins, who lived alone, had paid or handed over €83,000 after alleged repeated demands for money and loans. The report said the defendants’ addresses were unknown, although they were residing in Ireland.