Intimidation assaults: TD tells of victim who was bitten

A Mullingar TD has highlighted the “increasing issue” of intimidation in the collection of drug and illegal money lending debts, and she recently encountered a victim who had bite marks across her chest after being assaulted.

Speaking at Monday’s meeting of the Westmeath Joint Policing Committee, Sorca Clarke of Sinn Féin said she had seen a “substantial” rise in the number of calls to her constituency offices in relation to the problem in recent months.

She said she was aware of “nefarious characters” who were committing “serious assaults” in connection with unpaid debts.

In one case, “a lady came into my office with bite marks across her chest,” she said, adding that this was “a very serious level of intimidation which has no place in our community and needs to stop.”

Deputy Clarke added that some of the people reporting the issues to her were reluctant to speak to gardaí.

“As much as I may advise people to speak with the guards, that is often a barrier, and I would like to find a solution to that barrier,” she said.

Responding, Chief Superintendent of the Westmeath Garda Division, Fergus Healy, acknowledged that there was “a growing problem” of intimidation in communities. “This is not just in Athlone or Mullingar, it’s a national issue,” he said.

He encouraged anyone affected to “come forward to An Garda Síochána and report it, so that we can deal with it.”

Deputy Clarke also paid tribute to Sergeant Roger Nicholson on his retirement at the end of last month.

“He’s been a stalwart around Mullingar for a long length of time, and he will be missed,” said the TD, who asked if there was a timeframe for when his successor would be appointed.

Chief Supt Healy said a temporary replacement for Sergeant Nicholson had been put in place, and the process of appointing a permanent successor was under way.

“There’s absolutely no doubt that (Sergeant Nicholson) is a significant loss, but no person is irreplaceable. There will be another sergeant appointed, and hopefully they will be able to pick up on the success that Sgt Nicholson had in Mullingar,” said the chief superintendent.