Elderly man allegedly swung slash hook at gardaí in Laois

Gardaí who responded to a call from the ISPCA were allegedly threatened with a slash hook. 

William Bergin (78), of The Glebe, Coolrain appeared in court accused of threatening to kill or cause serious harm at  Shanderry, Coolrain on February 8, 2022. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby told a sitting of Portlaoise District  Court that gardaí received a call from the ISPCA alleging that two males had threatened animal welfare Inspectors at Shanderry on the date in question. 

When gardaí responded the accused was allegedly “holding a slash hook and swung it at gardaí”. 

Sgt Kirby told the court that it would be alleged that a number of dogs were subsequently removed from the location due to animal welfare concerns. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client had not had the benefit of a consultation with his solicitor. 

Ms Fitzpatrick said the defendant did not live at that address and said “the second element” in relation to the dogs “doesn’t fall to us”. 

Judge Nicola Andrews adjourned the matter to June 24 and said she would consider jurisdiction on that date.