The case of a lost licence, allegations of old grudges and indecent exposure heard at rural Kerry courthouse
The KerrymanAssault, threats and public exposure allegations, as well as the story of a missing driving licence, were amongst the list at the November monthly Cahersiveen and Killorglin District Courts sitting.
John Moriarty (74) of Woodview, Kealnabrack Upper, Glenbeigh represented himself to contest a charge of failure to produce a driving licence on May 13 at Castlemaine Road, Cloonmore, Kerry.
“I hadn’t got it on the day but I did produce it in Killorglin,” he said.
The judge noted the licence he showed in court was dated May 27, two weeks after he was asked to produce it.
“It looks like you applied on the day you were stopped,” observed Judge David Waters.
“No, I had the licence since ’97,” said Mr Moriarity. However, he added, he could not find it when he went home.
“I mislaid my licence,” he concluded.
Padraig O’Sullivan (26) of Laharn, Castlemaine pleaded guilty to driving uninsured and driving without a licence at Ard Na Greine, Milltown on June 5. Mr O’Sullivan first claimed it was his brother’s vehicle, and then a garage vehicle, Sgt Stephen O’Brien told the court.
The judge noted Mr O’Sullivan had sought to evade responsibility and had two previous convictions for driving without insurance. For driving without a licence, Mr O’Sullivan received a four-month suspended sentence and a two year disqualification. For driving uninsured, he received a four-month suspended sentence and a three-year disqualification with imposition postponed until May 12, 2026.
Chacko Saji (45) of New Street, Cahersiveen, was charged shortly before court began for exposing his genitals “intending to cause fear, distress or alarm”. The court heard Mr Saji exposed himself upon exiting a cubicle at the public toilets on Bridge Street, Cahersiveen on October 17. “He is to stay away from the public toilets at Cahersiveen and the immediate vicinity,” said Judge Waters. He granted a €200 bond and adjourned the case to December 11.
James Sweeney Junior (40), James Sweeney Senior (61) and Patrick O’Sullivan (37) faced charges for affray for threatening violence on December 16, 2024 at Dooks, Glenbeigh. A situation had escalated after alleged damage to Mr O’Sullivan’s tyres, the court heard. “There are previous animosities between them for various reasons,” said Sergeant Stephen O’Brien. There were further allegations of a cut finger. Their solicitors applied for disclosure.
Kevin Curran (52) of Octive, Waterville, faced charges for threats to kill or cause harm on November 2, 2024 at Lislonane, Waterville. The court heard it was an alleged dispute between landlord and tenant and that Mr Curran “became agitated”. The case was adjourned to December 11.
Antoni Ehberipu (34) of Woodbrook, Cahersiveen was remanded on bail for a charge of assault causing harm. The court heard allegations that he punched someone in the face, broke their nose and knocked them unconscious on Main Street, Cahersiveen on April 21. The State said there was CCTV evidence, photographic evidence and a medical report. The judge accepted jurisdiction and adjourned the case to December 11.