Victim of row in Louth shop later survived Creeslough tragedy
The victim of an altercation in a Co. Louth shop eight years ago survived the Creeslough tragedy, Dundalk Circuit Court has been told.
The woman was in the petrol station at the time of the Co. Donegal explosion which claimed 10 lives in 2022.
Perry O'Neill (36) and Caroline Sheerin (45), who were in a relationship at the time, pleaded guilty to an amended indictment of using or engaging in threatening abusive or insulting behaviour or words, at Spar, Market Street, Ardee, Co. Louth, on May 1, 2018.
Mr O'Neill, a road sweeping machine operator, had an address at the time in Fosters Close, Market Square, Ardee; while ceramic artist Caroline Sheerin lived at The Orchard, Hale Street, Ardee.
Det Gda Conor Tuite gave evidence that at 3.45pm a woman walked into the shop, followed shortly afterwards by the two defendants.
Words were exchanged. The victim took out her phone to record what was going on. She and Ms Sheerin grappled and at one stage Mr O'Neill got in between to separate them. A stand was knocked over.
Det Gda Tuite said that counter complaints were made and that the other woman withdrew her complaint.
Perry O'Neill has eight previous Road Traffic convictions and Caroline Sheerin three previous Road Traffic convictions.
Barrister Ronan O'Carroll said that Mr O'Neill went from peacemaker to offender in a short period of time.
He new leads a different life. He's in a new relationship and has two children. His youngest child has significant health issues.
Barrister Donough McDonpough, representing Ms Sheerin, a mother of one, said that she was originally from Skerries. She suffered from cancer, and had not come to attention since.
Judge Dara Hayes remarked that this was a serious incident in the middle of the day.
It was a disturbing and frightening experience for shop staff and other customers.
Both defendants appeared to have made significant changes to their lives.
At an adjourned sentence hearing, Judge Hayes discharged both accused from the indictment, after they each donated €300 to Women’s Aid.
He noted that the other woman had withdrawn her complaint. Section 6 of the Public Order Act was a summary only offence.