Kildare brothers face assault charges over alleged land dispute
The case was heard at Naas courthouse last week
“JOHN B Keane has written on matters like these,” commented a judge in the case of three brothers aged between 75 and 80 who are in a dispute over land that saw the eldest allegedly break one of his sibling’s arm with a slash hook.
Appearing in Naas District Court were William Dunne (79) of Castletown Avenue, Celbridge; Gerard Dunne (76), Millicent, Clane; and Cecil Dunne (75), Firmount East, Clane, all on assault charges stemming from an occasion at Firmount Demesne, Clane on 21 November 2023.
Defending the two younger brothers was barrister Patsy Glennon, while defending the eldest William – who faced the more serious charge of assault causing harm (S3) – was barrister Donnacha Craddock.
Mr Glennon told visiting Judge John Brennan that this case had last been before the court in July but was adjourned for a medical report because “there was a broken ulna in my client’s arm”.
"There was a verbal argument and a slash hook was brought down on his brother’s arm and broke it,” said Sgt Meade.
“I’m going to adjourn this until 8 May for [further] DPP directions," said the judge.
Is there a medical report?” he asked, before turning to Gerard and Cecil.
“Before you do, Garda Fanning has the medical report here now,” said Mr Glennon.
It’s three brothers, the same incident, cross-allegations. All the brothers are approaching 80,” said Mr Glennon.
“This is an orthopaedic surgeon’s report. Has he [Cecil] recovered?” asked the judge.
“Nearly. There is still some numbness in two of his fingers,” said Mr Glennon.
“There are land issues involved,” he added.
“John B Keane has written about this,” said Judge Brennan, quietly shaking his head.
He adjourned the case until 30 April to allow full disclosure of state’s evidence to be made to Mr Glennon and Mr Craddock, and set aside 10 July to hear the case, which Mr Craddock estimated would “take half a day”.
