Comedian's neighbour charged with harassment while on bail

A neighbour who has been harassing a comedian, Mr Gerry Browne, for several months was remanded in custody for a week yesterday…

A neighbour who has been harassing a comedian, Mr Gerry Browne, for several months was remanded in custody for a week yesterday when he appeared at Dunshaughlin District Court.

Mr Seamus Carthy (48) of Castle Street, Ashbourne, Co Meath, was arrested yesterday morning by Sgt Paul Tennanty and charged with harassing Gerry and Colette Browne between September 12th and October 3rd last at Killegland, Ashbourne.

Mr Carthy, who was due to appear at Dunshaughlin Court on December 1st next on a series of charges involving the Brownes, made no reply when charged. He had been on bail when he committed the most recent offences.

Judge John Brophy said he could not allow the situation to continue. "You were released on bail and now you have committed a similar offence. I have no option but to remand you in custody for a week," he said.

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"You cannot do it, sir. When you are released on bail you cannot go out and commit the same offence," he told Mr Carthy.

Mr Carthy's sister said he had a drink problem and offered to take care of him, but the judge said he could not allow him his freedom. "These people living beside him are under constant harassment," he said.

The judge requested psychiatric assessment of Mr Carthy while he was in prison and remanded him in custody to Kilcock Court next Tuesday.

He fixed bail at Mr Carthy's own bond of £250 and an independent surety of £750, which must be approved by the court, or cash bail of £750.

At a hearing on September 1st Mr Browne told Judge Brophy of the harassment he and his wife have suffered since moving into their Ashbourne home.

He said it appeared to stem from a row Mr Carthy had had with the builders of the house. But he asked the judge not to jail Mr Carthy.

"I don't want him to go to prison. I think he needs help," he said.

Mr Carthy also faces charges of assaulting Mr Browne; threatening to kill or injure him; and possession of a small pocket knife as well as a number of charges of being drunk in public.