State to ready case against two men over Mullingar row

The state has been given additional time to ready its case against two men accused of producing weapons during an incident in a Mullingar housing estate last summer.

Martin Gallagher (21), 45 Grange Heights, Mullingar, Westmeath, and Patrick Dinnegan (21), 42 Grange Meadows, Mullingar, Westmeath, appeared at Mullingar District Court in connection to an incident at Grange Crescent, Mullingar, on July 23, 2024.

Mr Gallagher was charged with producing a long wooden implement while appearing to be about to assault Mr Dinnegan contrary to section 11 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990.

He was further charged with committing violent disorder, with a number of others, under section 15 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994.

His co-accused is charged with one count under the former act, namely of producing a wooden pickaxe handle during the course of a dispute.

Sgt Sheila Kenny, for the state, first addressing Mr Dinnegan’s case, said “further investigations” were to be carried out by gardaí ahead of a file being sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

She a file would be ready to be sent “in weeks” and directions are anticipated in early April.

Judge Owens said while the court was willing to grant that request, in light of the fact the case had been in train since August 1, she would mark “time passing” on the file.

In adjourning that case to April 3, a similar order was made concerning the two charges Mr Gallagher was facing and that case was also adjourned to early April when DPP directions are expected.