Trio accused in Niland case want trial to be heard in Dublin court
Legal representative says publicity of case warrants move to the capital
APPLICATIONS will be made to have the cases of the three men accused of aggravated burglary, false imprisonment and assault causing serious harm to Tom Niland (74) at his home in Skreen on January 18 moved to Dublin.
Legal representatives for all three accused informed Judge Keenan Johnson at Sligo Circuit Court that applications would be made to have their clients’ cases transferred to Dublin as the publicity surrounding the case warranted it. Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions, Leo Mulrooney BL, said it was a case where a motion of notice and affidavit were required if the court could fix a date. Before Judge Johnson at Sligo Circuit Court on Tuesday was Francis Harman (54) 10, Nephin Court, Killala Road, Ballina, Co. Mayo, who appeared via video link from Castlerea Prison. Mr Harman, together with his co-accused, John Clarke (24), of Carrowkelly, Ballina, Co. Mayo, and John Irving (28), of Shanwar, Foxford, Co, Mayo, are currently remanded in custody. Judge Johnson adjourned the matter until October 21 to receive applications and set a date.