THREE men on charges relating to alleged badger-baiting had their cases adjourned at Trim District Court yesterday to allow the judge to decide whether there was sufficient evidence to proceed.
Judge John Brophy made the ruling after hearing that the Garda wished to withdraw some charges against them.
Mr John Casey, of Coolcarrigan, Co Kildare; Mr Peter Maher, of Grangeclare, Robenstown, Co Kildare; and Mr Patrick Mulligan jnr, of Knockmore, Carbury, Co Kildare, were before the court on a number of summonses.
These allege that they caused or assisted at the fighting or baiting of a badger and/or a fox and two dogs; that they entered lands to hunt wild animals without permission; and that they wilfully interfered with/destroyed the breeding place of a protected wild animal.
When Garda Insp Sean Galway told Judge Brophy he was instructed to withdraw two of the charges, the judge said badger-baiting was as bad as a common assault on a person. He wanted to see the statements of all individuals concerned before he decided whether to allow the inspector to withdraw the charges.
He said badger-baiting was one of the most disgusting sports, the same as dog-baiting or cock fighting. It was absolutely disgusting.
He adjourned the case for two weeks so he could examine the file before making a decision.