A judge has dismissed a charge against a man who fired a shotgun twice during an incident at his home when another man attacked him.
Judge Seán MacBride at Monaghan District Court said he believed Patrick McAreavey (66), Tullyard, Emyvale, had “acted proportionately” when he fired the shotgun twice after a man called to confront him over a dog that was poisoned.
The court heard that Patrick Murray, also of Emyvale, appeared to have drink taken when he went late at night to Mr McAreavey’s home, on January 22nd last.
Mr McAreavey claimed he fired the shotgun into the air after be became scared.
Judge MacBride said he felt Mr McAreavey “had acted proportionately” and he dismissed the charges against him of assault and the reckless discharge of a firearm.