Thursday 29 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 10826Assault causing harm · Co. Limerick · 16 Nov 2024

Limerick man fined for assault in hedge dispute with neighbour

On 16 November 2024 at around 2.15pm, during a dispute between neighbours over the cutting of a hedge in Limerick, the victim alleged that Michael Ryan, aged 63, struck him across the left cheek while he was cutting a hedge on his own land. Ryan was charged with assault causing harm. He denied punching his neighbour when questioned by gardaí and told Newcastle West District Court that he never touched the victim, but the judge found in favour of the victim's evidence. Ryan was convicted and fined €400 with 12 months to pay, and released on his own bond of €100, as reported in February 2026.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced24 Feb
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
The victim said Michael Ryan struck him across the left cheek, knocking off his glasses.
Where
The victim was cutting a hedge on his own land.
When
The incident happened on 16 November 2024 at around 2.15pm.
Cause
The case arose from a dispute between neighbours over the cutting of a hedge.
Investigation
Ryan denied punching his neighbour when questioned by gardaí.
Charges
Ryan was charged with assault causing harm.
In court
The case was heard at Newcastle West District Court.
Other details
  • Ryan told the court he never touched the victim.
  • The judge found in favour of the victim's evidence.
  • The defence said the assault did not necessitate medical treatment.
  • Ryan has two previous convictions.
Sentence
Ryan was convicted and fined €400, with 12 months to pay, and released on his own bond of €100.
13 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatThe victim said Ryan struck him across the left cheek, knocking off his glasses. (limerickleader.ie)
  • whereThe victim was on his own land cutting a hedge. (limerickleader.ie)
  • whenThe incident happened on 16 November 2024 at around 2.15pm. (limerickleader.ie)
  • causeThe case arose from a dispute between neighbours over the cutting of a hedge. (limerickleader.ie)
  • investigationRyan denied punching his neighbour when questioned by gardaí. (limerickleader.ie)
  • chargeRyan was charged with assault causing harm. (limerickleader.ie)
  • courtThe case was heard at Newcastle West District Court. (limerickleader.ie)
  • sentenceRyan was convicted and fined €400, with 12 months to pay. (limerickleader.ie)
  • sentenceRyan was released on his own bond of €100. (limerickleader.ie)
  • otherRyan told the court he never touched the victim. (limerickleader.ie)
  • otherThe judge found in favour of the victim's evidence. (limerickleader.ie)
  • otherThe defence said the assault did not necessitate medical treatment. (limerickleader.ie)
  • otherRyan has two previous convictions. (limerickleader.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 24 Feb2026
    Sentencedlimerickleader.ie, first report
    'It was his land, but my hedge' - heated dispute between Limerick neighbours ends in assault

    Reports the District Court conviction and €400 fine for Michael Ryan, the evidence from both men, and that Ryan has two previous convictions.

    convicted, Michael Ryan, 63, male, named, irish (judged from name)Michael Ryanvictim