Killarney court round-up: State sympathetic view of American tourist’s driving
The KerrymanAn American tourist charged with careless driving and a cas involving a landlord-tenant dispute came before Judge Patricia Harney at Killarney District Court on Tuesday, September 15.
Bethany Ann Hammer (70) of Witting Course, St Charles, Illinois, had her charge of dangerous driving on September 10 amended to careless driving and she pleaded guilty.
The court heard she crashed while turning right onto Upper Lewis Road from the Killarney bypass, causing others minor injuries.
“She wouldn’t be used to driving on the left-hand side of the road,” the court heard.
Solicitor Brendan Ahern noted the State had taken a sympathetic view.
From Muckross, Tim Cronin Snr (64) of Faugh and Perry Tully (38) of Faughcullia House were both charged with threats to kill or cause serious harm on October 22, 2024 at Oaklodge, Faughbane.
The court heard Mr Cronin, represented by solicitor Padraig O’Connell, was the landlord of Mr Tully. It is alleged the pair threatened each other.
Their case was adjourned to November 17.
A man appeared in custody and was charged with a sexual assault in Kerry in October, 2024. He was released on bail after his arrest on Tuesday morning. Bail was granted without objection by the State, on the condition authorities can reach the accused 24 hours a day and that he have no contact with the alleged injured party.
The case was adjourned to October 26 to consider jurisdiction.
The McSweeney Brothers of Ballinacarriaga, Dunmanway, Co Cork were fined €250 for permitting a driver to work without a valid certificate of professional competency.
The driver had previously held the correct qualification and resumed driving in May 2025 after it had lapsed, the court heard.
An RTA inspector told the court he stopped the driver in January, 2026.
When the inspector noted to the driver that he had driven for eight months without the correct card, the driver replied he “would have to get onto ‘em”. He had since received a valid card.
Robert Eugene O’Connell (29) of Cnoc Gorm, Knocknacuig, Tralee was disqualified for driving without insurance and fined €350 for speeding 73kph in a 50 kph zone at Aghalee More on January 25. He was fined a further €150 for driving without a licence or learner’s permit.
Most cases were adjourned into the winter due to a national solicitors’ withdrawal of services over reformed legal aid payments.
Throughout proceedings, an unspoken question loomed: how long would the industrial action hold?
Benjamin Guiney (23) of Lisrobin, Boherbee, Mallow, Cork was charged with assault on March 18, 2024 at Den Joes on New Street, Killarney. The Book of Evidence was served at his last court date.
Mr Ahern, who could not represent him due to the industrial action, said there were “certain applications to be made” that necessitated a solicitor.
“Will we just put it back to December, given what’s happening?” asked the judge, referencing the industrial action.
Mr Ahern expressed surprise at a date so late in the year.
“Given my natural optimism, I’d have thought we’d have made progress by now,” said the judge.
She adjourned the case to October 20.