The trial of a man charged with sending a pig’s head to a garda will involve witnesses “from the Department of Communications and other places”.
That is according to State counsel Stephen Coughlan, who was commenting on State witnesses to be heard at the trial of Brendan Mahoney (47) which is now scheduled to commence next month – almost three years after Mr Mahoney was first charged in relation to the offence.
Earlier this month, the Dubliner was extradited from Spain after he was remanded in custody pending his trial for the alleged offence of sending the pig's head to the home of a garda in January 2012.
Mr Mahoney of Cabra Park, Dublin 7, was initially due to stand trial for the alleged offence in 2013 but it didn’t proceed after Mr Mahony failed to turn up for a court appearance while on bail.
This occurred after Judge Gerald Keys varied Mr Mahoney’s bail conditions in June 2013 to allow him go on a sun holiday to Spain and he only returned in early March – 21 months later – after being extradited back here.
Judge Keys varied the terms of bail in June 2013, noting that there was no objection from the State.
At the circuit court in July 2013, a bench warrant was issued for the arrest of Mr Mahoney when he failed to show.
The State now has possession of Mr Mahoney’s passport and he will remain on remand in custody pending his trial.
At Ennis Circuit Court, his solicitor Michael Hanahoe told the court that Mr Mahoney was anxious for a trial date at the next trial sittings commencing on April 21st.
Mr Hanahoe requested a trial during the first week while Mr Coughlan said that a trial for the first week causes difficulties organising witnesses “from the Department of Communications and other places”.
Addressing Mr Mahoney in court, Judge Keys said that his trial has been fixed for April 21st.
Judge Keys has already granted legal aid to Mr Mahoney for Mr Hanahoe and a junior counsel to represent him in the Circuit Court trial.
Mr Mahoney is accused of posting a packet on January 26th, 2012, that contained an article that was menacing – a pig’s head.
The charge is brought under legislation being contrary to section 55 of the Communities Regulations (Postal Services) Act 2011.
A Garda investigation was launched in January 2012 after the arrival of the severed head to the home of a Co Clare garda.
Mr Mahoney was first charged in relation to the alleged offence at Kilrush District Court in July 2012.
Previously, the court has been told that the trial will last three days.
