Wednesday 28 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. 1084Assault causing harm · Co. Cork · 19 Aug 2025

Man remanded in custody after assaulting ISPCA inspector with dog lead in Co Cork

ISPCA inspector Caroline Faherty was assaulted at the O'Brien family farm in Ballyanly, Inniscarra, Co Cork on 19 August 2025 while investigating a report of an emaciated dog. Hugh O'Brien (54) and his sister Esther O'Brien (53), of the same address, were charged with assault causing harm at Clonakilty District Court. They are accused of knocking Ms Faherty to the ground, kicking her, and whipping her with her own identification badge and dog lead, causing a cut lip and bruises. At their first hearing, Esther O'Brien was granted bail and her case was adjourned to Cork District Court on 25 September 2025. Hugh O'Brien's bail was refused at a second appearance at Cork District Court on 27 August 2025 and he was remanded in continuing custody.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court28 Aug
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • Hugh O'Brien (54) and his sister Esther O'Brien (53) are accused of knocking ISPCA inspector Caroline Faherty to the ground, kicking her, and whipping her with her own identification badge and dog lead.
  • Ms Faherty sustained a cut lip and bruises.
Where
The assault took place at the O'Brien family farm in Ballyanly, Inniscarra, Co Cork.
When
The incident occurred on 19 August 2025.
Cause
Ms Faherty was at the farm following a report about an emaciated dog.
Charges
Hugh O'Brien and Esther O'Brien were charged with assault causing harm at Clonakilty District Court.
In court
  • At their first hearing, Esther O'Brien was granted bail and her case was adjourned to Cork District Court on 25 September 2025.
  • At a second appearance at Cork District Court on 27 August 2025, Hugh O'Brien's bail was refused and he was remanded in continuing custody.
5 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatHe took her identification badge and dog lead and whipped her with it. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatMs Faherty sustained a cut lip and bruises. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereThe assault took place at the O'Brien family farm in Ballyanly, Inniscarra, Co Cork. (irishtimes.com)
  • causeMs Faherty was at the farm following a report about an emaciated dog. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtEsther O'Brien's case was adjourned to Cork District Court on 25 September 2025. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 28 Aug2025
    In courtirishtimes.com, follow-up
    Man accused of using dog lead to attack ISPCA inspector is remanded in custody

    Second court appearance at Cork District Court where Hugh O'Brien's bail was refused and he was remanded in continuing custody; Esther O'Brien's bail was previously granted and her case adjourned to 25 September.

    victim, Caroline Faherty, female, irish (judged from name)Caroline Fahertyaccused, 54, male, irish (judged from name)accused, 53, female, irish (judged from name)