A Co Galway farmer alleged to have thrown a bag containing cow dung in the direction of Minister of State Anne Rabbitte at a public meeting is to contest the charge of assaulting the Fianna Fáil TD.
At Gort District Court, John Nash, solicitor for Joseph Baldwin, 38, of Ballyaneen, Gort, told Judge Alec Gabbett that a hearing date is required in the case.
Mr Baldwin is charged with assaulting Ms Rabbitte on 4 January 2023 at a public meeting at Sullivan's Royal Hotel, Gort.
The assault charge against Mr Baldwin is contrary to Section 2 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.
As Mr Baldwin is to contest the charge, Ms Rabbitte will be required to provide her sworn eye witness account from the witness box of what occurred on the night as part of the State case against Mr Baldwin.
Mr Nash will be able to cross examine Ms Rabbitte on her evidence on behalf of his client.
Minister Rabbitte was attending the meeting to hear locals’ concerns over a planned biogas plant for Gort.
Galway East TD Ciarán Cannon was also in attendance at the same meeting, which was called to discuss taking a judicial review against the planning decision permitting the biogas plant and €20,000 was pledged to the fight by those present.
Mr Baldwin is also contesting a second charge where he is accused of using or engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace of being reckless as to whether a breach of the peace might have been occasioned.
The charge is contrary to Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act.
The summons for the alleged assault and the public order breach is being brought by Sergeant Diarmuid Cloonan of Gort Garda Station.
CCTV evidence is to also form part of the State’s case.
Proceedings were adjourned by Judge Gabbbet until May, when the hearing will take place.
Those who are convicted of Section 2 assault charges in the district court face penalties of a prison term up to six months or a fine not exceeding €1,905.
