A Fine Gael councillor carrying out voluntary work in an Ashbourne street last year was accosted by a man who called him a “traitor” and made threats against him in relation to his work in support of Ukraine, Trim District was was told. The councillor – Alan Tobin – said that the incident made him think twice as to whether he should continue as a public representative.0
Before the court was 50-year-old Ciaran Starrs, Brindley Park Square, Ashbourne who was charged under the Non-Fatal Offences against the Person Act by threatening to kill or main Mr Tobin at Castle Street, Ashbourne on 4th May last year. Court Presenter Sergeant Peter Clarke told the court that Mr Tobin was carrying out voluntary work by replenishing plastic bags in doggie bins when the defendant pulled up beside him in a vehicle and said “I’ll do you now”, also calling him a “traitor” and threatened him in relation to his support for Ukrainians.
Mr Tobin, who was in court,, said that a hammer was produced by the defendant on the day and that “he also had a certain breed of dog” in the vehicle. When an apology was offered in court Mr Tobin said he accepted the apology but added that “there should be a zero tolerance approach to this”. He said that his wife had heard the altercation “and shouldn’t be subjected to this”.
Incident Made Cllr Consider His Position In Local Politics
“Every time a vehicle pulls up beside me now I get nervous”. He said that a crime prevention officer had been in his house to make sure his house was secure. He had a young family and “I don’t want to bring this type of thing on their heads”. He said the incident made him think about whether he should continue as a public representative if this sort of thing was going to happen.”Anybody involved in local community work shouldn’t be open to this behaviour”.
Sergeant Clarke said that defendant had seven previous convictions, the most recent of which was in 2008. Defending barrister James O’Brien said that his client had admitted in interviews with Gardai that his behaviour was unacceptable. He had made admissions during those interviews.
Judge Eirinn McKiernan said that there was a very serious allegation against the defendant and the incident had had a serious impact on the injured party. A message had to go out that this sort of thing cannot happen. It was totally unacceptable, she said. She directed defendant to pay a donation of €500 to Meath Women’s Refuge. The court was told that the defendant was not working at the moment and the case was adjourned to allow him to pay the amount. If the money was paid she would apply the Probation of Offenders Act to the case, the judge said.
