A Kerry man is standing trial in Tralee accused of threatening to kill or cause serious harm to another man six years ago.
57-year-old John Foley, formerly of Tullig, Kenmare, faces three counts of threatening to kill or cause serious harm, and one count of criminal damage.
He pleaded not guilty when arraigned at Tralee Circuit Court.
Mr Foley is accused of threatening to kill or cause serious harm to Pat Harney over the phone on 12th March 2020.
He’s accused of threatening to kill or cause serious harm to Pat Harney, and causing criminal damage to the front door, window, and walls of his house, on Mother’s Day in 2020, the 22nd March.
He’s also accused of making a threat to his former partner, Margaret “Peggy” Delaney, that he would kill or cause serious harm to Pat Harney, on 2nd April 2020.
Prosecuting barrister Tom Rice said Ms Delaney is the former partner of Mr Foley, and that Mr Harney is her current partner.
A jury of seven men and five women will hear the trial, which is expected to last until the end of the week.
Mr Rice told the jury that the charge of threatening to kill or cause serious harm is not about the person’s intent on carrying out the act, but about making the other person believe they will do it.
He said it’s about putting the other person in fear.
Mr Foley is represented by barrister Katie O’Connell, instructed by solicitor Eimear Griffin.
Investigating garda, Sgt Ian Kelly, showed the jury a set of maps outlining important locations in the case.
These include Tullig, Kenmare, which is the residence of Margaret “Peggy” Delaney, as well as Sunville, Main Street, Kilgarvan, the residence of Pat Harney.
Sgt Kelly said, at the time, Mr Foley lived at the property in Tullig as well.
In cross-examination, Sgt Kelly agreed with barrister Katie O’Connell that Tullig is a very rural and isolated area.
The trial continues tomorrow.
