Ireland Couple given Probation Act after abusing Limerick councillor
On 10 July 2023, two people came up behind Limerick councillor Catherine Slattary at the launch of a housing development at Amharc Muileann, Bloodmill Road, and hurled abuse at her. Thomas Keogh, 58, and Claire McNamara, 41, were investigated by Garda Craig Connolly and charged under Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994, and both pleaded not guilty. At Limerick District Court, Judge Adrian Harris found them guilty of threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour in a public place. The latest development, reported on 16 October 2024, is that the judge imposed the Probation Act for one year on both, with recognisance fixed in the event of an appeal.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Verdictnot reported
- Sentenced16 Oct
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Two people came up behind councillor Catherine Slattary and started hurling abuse at her.
- Where
- The incident took place at the launch of a housing development at Amharc Muileann, Bloodmill Road, County Limerick.
- When
- The incident took place on 10 July 2023.
- Other details
- The victim is Cllr Catherine Slattary, a woman.
- The suspects are Thomas Keogh, a man aged 58, and Claire McNamara, a woman aged 41.
- The judge said the councillor is entitled to do her work in peace without having abuse hurled at her.
- The judge said it was particularly appalling that the councillor's daughter, a private citizen, was brought into it.
- Investigation
- The case was investigated by Garda Craig Connolly.
- Charges
- Thomas Keogh and Claire McNamara were charged under Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 and pleaded not guilty.
- In court
- Inspector Padraigh Sutton prosecuted the case on behalf of the State at Limerick District Court.
- Evidence was given by Cllr Catherine Slattary, Deputy Willie O'Dea, Cllr Joe Pond and Alec Morrissey.
- Judge Adrian Harris found Keogh and McNamara guilty of threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour in a public place.
- Sentence
- The judge imposed the Probation Act for one year on Keogh and McNamara.
- Recognisance was fixed in the event of an appeal.
11 statements extracted from the articles
- whatTwo people came up behind the councillor and started hurling abuse at her. (limerickleader.ie)
- whereThe incident was at the launch of a housing development at Amharc Muileann, Bloodmill Road. (limerickleader.ie)
- investigationThe case was investigated by Garda Craig Connolly. (limerickleader.ie)
- chargeKeogh and McNamara pleaded not guilty to Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994. (limerickleader.ie)
- courtThe case was prosecuted by Inspector Padraigh Sutton on behalf of the State. (limerickleader.ie)
- courtThe case was heard at Limerick District Court. (limerickleader.ie)
- courtThe judge found Keogh and McNamara guilty of threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour in a public place. (limerickleader.ie)
- sentenceThe judge imposed the Probation Act for one year on Keogh and McNamara. (limerickleader.ie)
- otherThe judge said the councillor is entitled to do her work in peace without having abuse hurled at her. (limerickleader.ie)
- otherThe judge said it was particularly appalling that the councillor's daughter, a private citizen, was brought into it. (limerickleader.ie)
- otherRecognisance was fixed in the event of an appeal. (limerickleader.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 16 Oct2024‘They said they were going to get me, going to fix me’: Limerick councillor takes couple to court
Court report of the verdict and sentence; the article gives the incident as taking place at a housing launch on 10 July 2023 and names the victim, accused and prosecution details.
victim, Catherine Slattary, female, irish (judged from name)Catherine Slattaryconvicted, Thomas Keogh, 58, male, named, irish (judged from name)Thomas Keoghconvicted, Claire McNamara, 41, female, named, irish (judged from name)Claire McNamara