A Co. Galway farmer alleged to have thrown a bag containing cow dung in the direction of Minister of State, Anne Rabbitte at a public meeting is to contest the charge in court of assaulting the Fianna Fáil TD.
At Gort District Court today (Thursday, February 22), solicitor for Joseph Baldwin (38) of Ballyaneen, Gort, John Nash told Judge Alec Gabbett that a hearing date is required in the case.
In the case, Baldwin faces prosecution where he is charged with assaulting Anne Rabbitte on January 4, 2023 at a public meeting at O’Sullivans Royal Hotel, Gort.
The assault charge against Baldwin is contrary to Section 2 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.
Contesting charge of throwing dung
As Joseph Baldwin has through his solicitor confirmed that he is to contest the charge, Galway East TD and Minister of State with responsibility for children, equality, disability, integration and youth, Anne Rabbitte will be required to provide her sworn eye witness account from the witness box of what occurred on the night as part of the state’s case against Baldwin.
Solicitor John Nash will be able to cross examine Minster Rabbitte on her evidence on behalf of his client.
Minister Rabbitt was attending the meeting to hear locals’ concerns over a planned biogas plant for Gort.
Galway East colleague, Deputy Ciarán Cannon (FG) was also in attendance at the same meeting, which was called to discuss taking a judicial review against the planning decision permitting the biogas plant.
€20,000 was pledged to the fight by those present at the meeting.
Joseph Baldwin is also contesting a second charge where he is accused of using or engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace, of being reckless as to whether a breach of the peace might have been occasioned.
The charge is contrary to Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act. The summons for the alleged assault and the public order breach is being brought by Sgt. Diarmuid Cloonan of Gort Garda Station.
Evidence in court
CCTV evidence will also form part of the state’s case and Judge Gabbett asked Joseph Nash “do I need to bring this to a court where CCTV can be shown?”
Judge Gabbett also said to Nash that “you don’t want to come to Ennis to see the CCTV on the big screen?”
Nash said that he was happy that the case remain at Gort District Court and that a court laptop would be sufficient for the showing of the CCTV.
Nash asked that the contested case take place on May 23 at Gort District Court and Judge Gabbett adjourned the case to that date for hearing.
Those who are convicted of Section 2 assault charges in the district court face penalties of a prison term of up to six months or a fine not exceeding €1,905.