Son and father-inlaw since made up

A son-in-law before Sligo District Court for allegedly assaulting his father-in-law have since made up their differences, the court heard. Bernie Ward (21) of Elm Gardens, Ballytivnan, was charged with assaulting Tom Stokes at Glendallon, Ballytivnan, on January 25 th 2020.

Defending solicitor Mr Tom MacSharry said that both parties were in court and that the incident happened over a year ago and they since made up their differences.

Sergeant Derek Butler put it to Mr Stokes that the complaint made to gardaí was that the defendant had him in a headlock and put his back out. Mr Stokes replied that he wished to withdraw the complaint and when asked by Sergeant Butler if he was under any duress to do so, he replied no.

Judge Kevin Kilrane said that the guards put a lot of time and effort and tax payers’ money into the matter. He said that certain people sorted out their problems in their own way, but that’s not the way life should be.

He asked Mr Stokes if he was assaulted and he replied he was. Mr MacSharry said they have made up and the Covid crisis brought them closer.

Sergeant Butler told the judge that his application was for a strike out of the matter. The judge said that if it were to happen again, gardaí may not be as diligent in investigating.