An accusation of threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour against a member of Waterford Fox Hounds was thrown out of Waterford District Court yesterday when members of the Irish Council Against Blood Sports were warned not to interfere with people going about their lawful business.
Mr John Tierney, secretary of the ICABS, claimed he had been verbally abused and told to "stick his effing camera up his arse" by Mr Thomas O'Meara, of Pickardstown, Tramore, while he was taking pictures of a pack of hounds on January 30th last. Mr Tierney said he had got up on a ditch to take a photograph of hounds in a gateway when Mr O'Meara raised his elbow as if to hit him in the face. Mr Tierney's evidence was supported by Tramore town commissioner Mr Eddie Walsh.
"I understand you are a councillor," Judge William Harnett told Mr Walsh. "You should cop yourself on and go and petition your TD to bring in a law banning fox hunting. It is lawful in this country and you are not allowed to interfere with people going about the business that they are lawfully entitled to." He struck out the charge.