Offaly farmer accused of harassment and sending threatening messages in Laois

A book of evidence was served on a farmer who is accused of harassment and sending threatening messages in Laois. 

James Norton (36) of Killooley, Blueball, Tullamore, Co Offaly, is accused of harassing and sending threatening or grossly offensive communications to a man and a woman at Cloncannon, Mountmellick on a date between June 18, 2021 and November 14, 2024. 

Garda Lisa Murray said she served a book of evidence on the accused at a sitting of Portlaoise District Court. 

Garda Sgt JJ Kirby said the book contained two counts of harassment and two counts of sending threatening and offensive communications. He said the DPP had consented to the accused being sent forward to the next sittings of Portlaoise Circuit Court beginning on October 28. 

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client was a self employed farmer who has around 30 acres and rents a further 88 acres of land. She said the man earns a modest income and she requested legal aid for a solicitor and barrister in the case. 

Judge Susan Fay asked about the thirty acres and she was told they were located in a rural area. She then granted legal aid and remanded the defendant on bail to appear before Portlaoise Circuit Court on October 28.