Television lead around his neck ‘ for protection’

A young man who had a television cable around his neck told a Garda he was carrying it for his own protection against gangs who were after him.

Before Sligo District Court was Mason Farrell ( 23) of Market Court, Market Yard who admitted a charge of having the cable fashioned in the form of a weapon intended to cause injury to a person at Chapel Hill on April 13th 2015.

Inspector Paul Kilcoyne said the defendant was observed carrying something around his neck and he was asked what it was. The defendant said he was just out for a walk. The Garda saw that it was a television cable and the defendant said it was for his own protection if he was attacked by any one of the gangs who were after him.

He had a previous conviction for assault. Mr Gerard McGovern, solicitor ( defending) said certain people had made threats against Farrell. He had fully co- operated in the matter.

Judge Kevin Kilrane said he wasn’t entirely convinced the cable was for his own protection. given his previous conviction for assault.

Farrell was fined € 200.