Clare landlord fined €500 for assault during forcible eviction

A 10-YEAR-OLD boy was “roughed around” while his family were being forcibly evicted from their home by their landlord and his associates two years ago, a court was told yesterday.

Stewart Barrett told a special sitting of Killaloe District Court his son Ross “was roughed around and pulled around inside the house and thrown out the door”, during the eviction.

The family’s former landlord, retired journalist Declan White (59), of Radharc, Mongan’s Lane, Mountshannon, Co Clare, pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr Barrett and his partner, Annie Collins, on November 7th, 2009, at Radharc.

At the outset of the hearing, Tony O’Malley, solicitor for Mr White, said a third count of assaulting Ross by Mr White was being withdrawn by gardaí.

Mr O’Malley said Mr White removed the family from the home because he wanted his property back as the tenants were €11,500 in arrears. Mr Barrett denied this was the amount, saying it was much smaller.

Mr Barrett said that as a result of the incident, his son became frightened and did not like going into Mountshannon village for a year after because he was frightened of Mr White. Mr Barrett said Ross had a changed personality in 2010, but seems to be coping better now, adding that he himself suffered from chronic stress disorder after the incident.

He said Mr White and his wife were accompanied by two enforcers on the day.

Insp John O’Sullivan said there was an air of intimidation during the incident.

Mr O’Malley denied Mr White brought enforcers. “He brought two people with him to prevent any issues arising. He had concerns and he felt if there were other people with him it would keep things calm.”

Mr O’Malley said those concerns were confirmed when gardaí examined the premises and found a rifle and ammunition.

Judge Joseph Mangan imposed a €500 fine on Mr White for the assault on Ms Collins and bound Mr White to the peace in relation to the assault on Mr Barrett.