Wicklow man who assaulted neighbour given peace bond

By Darragh McCann, The Wicklow People

A Wicklow man has been given a peace bond after assaulting his next-door neighbour during a dispute over a boundary wall.

Joseph Ledwidge (55), of Ard Brae, Bray, appeared before Bray District Court after pleading guilty to one count of assault against his neighbour.

The court heard that on September 22, 2024, the accused became involved in a disagreement with his neighbour over a boundary wall. During the incident, Mr Ledwidge struck the injured party, causing him to fall to the ground. The court was told that no injuries were sustained.

Mr Ledwidge has no previous convictions and has since reconciled with his neighbour. Solicitor for the accused, Brendan Maloney, told the court that the victim was an active participant in the plea agreement.

Mr Maloney said the two men are still neighbours and “will never be friendly”, adding that the neighbour had obtained a civil restraining order, which has since been agreed to be dropped.

In his plea in mitigation, Mr Maloney told the court that his client has joint custody of his two children and had previously worked as a painter for over 20 years before transitioning into work as a bus driver.

Judge David Kennedy said he was satisfied the incident had a “sobering effect” on the accused and noted that the victim had been involved in the proceedings.

Judge Kennedy imposed a peace bond for a period of 12 months, in the sum of €100.