Defendant warned not to interfere with ESB poles, personnel or agents 

A Raphoe man has been told that he must sign on each Monday at Letterkenny Garda station and told he must not interfere with any ESB power lines, personnel or agents acting on their behalf.

Before Ballyshannon Court on Friday, James Clarke (59), of Maherahane, Raphoe appeared on a charge of threatening to cause harm to members of An Garda Siochana in the course of a dispute, in a manner likely to unlawfully intimidate another person, or being capable of inflicting serious injury with a large pitch fork, contrary to section 11 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990. 

The alleged incident is said to have taken place at Meherahane, Raphoe on January 19 of this year.

A statement of arrest, caution and charge was handed into the court with Inspector Pat Harney intimating that there was no objection to bail subject to certain conditions imposed. 

This included that he signs on once a week at Letterkenny garda station, later agreed to be on Mondays.

Neither was he to interfere with ESB power lines and plants, or to interfere with ESB personnel, servants or agents, if they are carrying out repairs or any subcontractors acting on their behalf, on any electricity infrastructure.   

Defendant was released on his own bond of €100 to appear before Letterkenny court on February 13. 

Judge Brendan O’Reilly said that it was important for the defendant to realise the serious nature of the charge, the conditions imposed and the necessity to stay away from electricity poles “even for your own safety”.

Legal aid was granted to his solicitor, Gerry McGovern, who said his client understood this.