A case in which a number of Inland Fisheries Officers were allegedly swung at with a hammer and told that their houses would be burned was adjourned to July 9 next for consideration.
Conflicting views on whether the officers crossed onto private property to repossess an illegal salmon fishing net led to the judge adjourning the matter. Ballina District Court heard that on August 28, Inland Fisheries Officers attended a lane-way at St Muredach’s Terrace behind the home of Margaret Hopkins of 12, Mount Assummpta, Ballina and formerly St Muredach’s Terrace.
Officer Pat Armstrong told the court that before going to the lane-way he called to Ballina Garda Station to make sure the lane-way was a public place. In the lane-way, Officer Armstrong said he found a steel barrier blocking the lane and a wheely bin with the salmon net on top. Mrs Hopkins is said to have shouted at the officers, while blocking the car and hitting the bonnet….
Mayo News 04/06/2013 Read the article ‘Inland fisheries Officers told their houses would be burned’