A newly-elected Fianna Fáil TD is to face trial on charges of assaulting two men in Co Tipperary. Mattie McGrath is a former member of South Tipperary County Council and was elected to the Dáil on his first attempt in last month's general election.
Yesterday, Mr McGrath appeared at Clonmel District Court charged with assault causing harm to two men and using or threatening to use unlawful violence.
The charges relate to a late-night incident last August in Mr McGrath's home village of Newcastle, near Clonmel. Judge Terence Finn granted Mr McGrath bail on his own bond of €3,000 and sent the case for trial to the Circuit Court, which will sit in Clonmel on July 10th. Five co-defendants, including Mr McGrath's son, all with addresses in Newcastle, have been charged with the same offences and have also been sent for trial.
They are: Edmund McGrath, Garreneasey; Christopher Cullinan, Jason Aherne and James Lonergan of Liam Lynch Terrace; and Anthony O'Dwyer, Garrincasey. They were granted bail on similar conditions.
All six have pleaded not guilty. Mr McGrath has also been charged with a third public order offence relating to the events on the night of 14th August 2006. He and Stuart Forbes of Liam Lynch Terrace, Newcastle have been charged with using or engaging in threatening, insulting or abusive behaviour.
During yesterday's court appearance Mr McGrath's solicitor, John Whelan, reminded the judge that his client had lodged an official complaint under the Garda Complaints Act about the handling of the case.
