Ireland Ballymahon man released on bail after threats to kill appeal
On 10 May 2021, a car wing mirror was kicked off outside a house in Ballymahon, Longford, and Sean Taaffe threatened Garda Keith O'Brien with a glass bottle and to burn his car. A male cyclist alleged he was assaulted by both Taaffe and co-accused David O'Leary, being kicked and punched. Judge Seamus Hughes at District Court sentenced Taaffe to six months for threats to kill, four months for assault, and four months for criminal damage. Judge Keenan Johnson at Longford Circuit Court set aside the sentence and released Taaffe on bail with strict conditions including a curfew and drug and alcohol abstinence. Co-accused David O'Leary withdrew his own appeal.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court12 Oct
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- A car wing mirror was kicked off outside a house in Ballymahon on 10 May 2021.
- Sean Taaffe told Garda Keith O'Brien he had a glass bottle behind his back that he would smash across his face and stab him with, and threatened to burn his car.
- A male cyclist alleged he was assaulted by both Taaffe and David O'Leary, being kicked and punched.
- Where
- Ballymahon, Longford.
- When
- 10 May 2021.
- Charges
- Taaffe was charged with threats to kill, assault, and criminal damage.
- In court
- Judge Seamus Hughes at District Court sentenced Taaffe to six months for threats to kill, four months for assault, and four months for criminal damage.
- Judge Keenan Johnson at Longford Circuit Court set aside the sentence and released Taaffe on bail.
- Sentence
- Bail conditions include a 10pm to 7am curfew, drug and alcohol abstinence, a €1,500 payment by 12 January, and written apologies.
- Other details
- Co-accused David O'Leary withdrew his own appeal.
- Taaffe has three children aged eight, six and eight months who moved to Manchester with their mother.
9 statements extracted from the articles
- whatA car wing mirror was kicked off outside a house in Ballymahon on 10 May 2021. (longfordleader.ie)
- whatTaaffe told Garda O'Brien he had a glass bottle behind his back that he would smash across his face and stab him with. (longfordleader.ie)
- whatTaaffe threatened to burn Garda O'Brien's car outside the garda station. (longfordleader.ie)
- whatGarda O'Brien recorded three short videos of the encounter as evidence. (longfordleader.ie)
- whatA male cyclist alleged he was assaulted by both men, being kicked and punched. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtJudge Johnson released Taaffe on bail with strict terms to allow a probation report to be prepared. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtBail conditions include engaging with probation services, remaining drug and alcohol free, and a 10pm to 7am curfew. (longfordleader.ie)
- sentenceJudge Seamus Hughes sentenced Taaffe to six months for threats to kill, four months for assault, and four months for criminal damage at District Court. (longfordleader.ie)
- otherTaaffe has three children aged eight, six and eight months who moved to Manchester with their mother. (longfordleader.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 12 Oct2021Judge releases Ballymahon man who threatened to kill garda’s wife and children
Circuit Court appeal hearing where Judge Keenan Johnson set aside the District Court sentence and released Taaffe on bail with strict conditions including a curfew, drug and alcohol abstinence, a €1,500 payment by 12 January, and written apologies. Co-accused David O'Leary withdrew his own appeal.
accused, Sean Taaffe, male, named, irish (judged from name)Sean Taaffeaccused, David O'Leary, male, named, irish (judged from name)David O'Learyvictim, Keith O'Brien, male, irish (judged from name)Keith O'Brienvictim, Emma Kiernan, female, irish (judged from name)Emma Kiernanvictim, male