The case against a high-profile Limerick solicitor accused of assaulting his sister, whom he described as a "sister from hell", has been dismissed.
John Devane, Blackwater, Arnacrusha, Co Clare, has represented some of the city's most notorious crime families and is currently leading the "slopping out" compensation claim against the State.
Yesterday, the 43-year-old solicitor was acquitted by Judge David O'Riordan at Limerick District Court of assaulting his sister, Maire Devane, at a house in Glenside, Castletroy, Limerick on January 18th, 2005.
Judge O'Riordan dismissed the case against the Limerick solicitor after hearing evidence from both sides, including Ms Devane, who claimed her brother had subjected her to an "horrendous assault".
The 53-year-old claimed the alleged assault took place at a house which she was renting from her brother which he was trying to sell.
The court heard that Mr Devane had served a notice to quit on his sister but she had asked auctioneers not to put up a "For Sale" sign on the house.
Mr Devane said he called to the house to turn off the ESB and to try to talk to his sister. However she began screaming and shouting at him when he entered the house. He denied assaulting his sister in the house and said he "wouldn't assault any woman".
When asked during cross-examination by State Solicitor Ed O'Sullivan how his sister had sustained bruises to her arms and thighs, Mr Devane said his sister "was a drama queen at the best of times".
After hearing evidence from both sides, Judge O'Riordan said there was a "doubt in his mind" as to whether an assault had taken place in the manner described in court, and dismissed the case against Mr Devane.