Firearm mounted on wheelbarrow

A WSPCA visit to a Foulksmills address to check on the welfare of a horse took an unexpected turn when what appeared to be a firearm was produced, the District Court was told.

The animal welfare organisation’s staff member arrived with gardaí at the premises of Joseph Kehoe (57) at Slevoy in Foulksmills on June 11.

It was stated in court that, when the visitors turned up, Kehoe opened the garage and produced the ‘firearm’ which was mounted on a wheelbarrow. This was then pointed at the garda patrol car with a warning that, if the callers did not leave, then they would lose the patrol car.

This version of events was not contested by solicitor Tim Cummings, whose client was not in court.

Mr Cummings had no instruction from his absent client but said he had been talking to Kehoe’s brother and other concerned family members.

A medical report was handed into the court, as was a photograph of the alleged weapon.

‘It looks quite serious,’ remarked Judge Brian O’Shea after seeing the picture.

A warrant was issued for the arrest of the accused man.