Ireland Charge dismissed against Monasterevin man accused of shovel assault at campsite
Joe Sweeney (32) of Kill Hill Campsite, Monasterevin, Co Kildare, was charged with assaulting Michael Cash, causing him harm and producing a garden shovel, over an alleged incident on 10 December 2023. Michael Cash told the court he was struck on the head with a small shovel while lying in bed at home, while the court was also told the alleged assault took place at a campsite. Joe Sweeney denied the charge at Portlaoise District Court, where the defence cited a number of reasonable doubts about the prosecution. Judge Andrew Cody dismissed the charge and granted legal aid for counsel, as reported on 27 May 2026.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Acquitted27 May
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Michael Cash said he was hit on the head with a small shovel.
- Where
- The alleged assault took place at Kill Hill Campsite in Monasterevin, County Kildare, according to the charge and court report.
- Michael Cash told the court he was at home, lying in bed, when the assault occurred.
- When
- The alleged offence occurred on 10 December 2023.
- Weapon
- The charge refers to a garden shovel, while Michael Cash described a small shovel.
- Investigation
- No shovel was recovered by gardaí.
- The garda sergeant said no medical report was available for any injuries.
- Other details
- Michael Cash said he received a cut to his head but refused to attend hospital.
- The defence said there was a feud between the two families.
- Charges
- Joe Sweeney denied assaulting Michael Cash, causing him harm and producing a garden shovel, and denied the assault again in court.
- In court
- The case was heard at Portlaoise District Court.
- Defence counsel said there were a number of reasonable doubts about the prosecution.
- Judge Andrew Cody dismissed the charge and granted legal aid for counsel.
12 statements extracted from the articles
- whatMichael Cash said he was hit on the head with a small shovel. (kildarenow.com)
- whereThe alleged assault took place at a campsite in Monasterevin, County Kildare. (kildarenow.com)
- whenThe alleged offence occurred on 10 December 2023. (kildarenow.com)
- investigationThe garda sergeant said there was no medical report available for any injuries. (kildarenow.com)
- investigationNo shovel was recovered by gardaí. (kildarenow.com)
- chargeJoe Sweeney denied assaulting Michael Cash, causing him harm and producing a garden shovel. (kildarenow.com)
- courtThe case was heard at Portlaoise District Court. (kildarenow.com)
- courtDefence counsel said there were a number of reasonable doubts about the prosecution. (kildarenow.com)
- courtJudge Andrew Cody dismissed the charge and granted legal aid for counsel. (kildarenow.com)
- otherMichael Cash said he received a cut to his head but refused to attend hospital. (kildarenow.com)
- otherThe defence said there was a feud between the two families. (kildarenow.com)
- otherJoe Sweeney again denied assaulting Michael Cash. (kildarenow.com)
The reporting
newest first- 27 May2026Kildare man allegedly hit with garden shovel while lying in bed - court hears
Court report on the outcome of the case. The accused denied the charge, and the judge dismissed it, citing reasonable doubts about the prosecution. The article also reports that the Garda evidence included no medical report and no recovered shovel.
accused, Joe Sweeney, 32, male, named, irish (judged from name)Joe Sweeneyvictim, Michael Cash, male, irish (judged from name)Michael Cash