A WOMAN received the Probation Act at Kilmallock District Court this week after evidence was heard of a spraying incident on a hunt member during an anti-hunt protest targeting the Scarteen.

The case was heard on Tuesday over the incident which occurred on November 23rd 2019.

Before Judge Patricia Harney was defendant Miss Diane Keevans with an address at Vicker Street, Co Cork.

Garda Wilkinson of Bruff Garda Station gave evidence of being called to an altercation which arose during a hunt meet of the Scarteen Hounds at Castlefarm, Hospital, Co Limerick, on the date in question.

On arrival, he and Garda colleagues observed hunt members and local farmers on one side and a group of anti-hunt protesters, dressed in black, with their identities obscured through the wearing of balaclava-type masks or hoodies. Garda Wilkinson said the protesters were carrying spray bottles and whips.

Gardaí remained until the hunt and its supporters moved off and the protesters appeared to follow some time later.

The court heard that Gardaí were again called out about 2pm when they received a report that a hunt member, John Kearns of Moore Abbey, Galbally, who was on foot, had been allegedly assaulted by having been sprayed by a protester with an irritant substance into his eyes and face.

By this stage, the protesters and the injured party had returned to Hospital village where John Kearns identified Miss Keevans to Gardaí by a white scarf or string which was attached to her hoodie or balaclava. Garda Wilkinson observed a distinct redness and irritation around the injured party’s eyes.

When questioned by Gardaí, Miss Keevans denied that she had assaulted or sprayed anyone.

Burning sensation

John Kearns described to the court how the defendant sprayed something directly into his face whereon he felt a distinct burning sensation. He said he was lucky to have a bottle of water to hand to lessen the worst effects. His evidence was corroborated in court by Jason Furlong who had been present when the incident took place.

John Kearns stated that on the day in question he accused the defendant of spraying him which she denied but claimed she then added, “it was only water anyway”.

When Kearns got home, his mother, who is a nurse, took him to the doctor where he was treated and put on a course of antibiotics.

Under cross-examination in court by Inspector Pat Brennan of Bruff Garda Division, Miss Keevans became emotional as she denied the charge.

Her evidence was supported by Cork-based Erick Hutchinson who described himself as being part of a “non-violent protest group”.

Summing up, Judge Patricia Harney gave particular weight to Garda Wilkinson’s account of seeing the injured party’s face which showed signs of redness and burning.

In mitigation, the defendant’s solicitor said it was his client’s first offence and that she was in receipt of social welfare.

Taking this into account, Judge Harney applied the Probation Act, cautioning that while people were entitled to peaceful protest, they were not entitled to take the law into their own hands.