Clones man charged with assaulting meter installer

A 34-year-old Clones man appeared at Virginia District Court charged with alleged assault on a water meter installer outside the defendant's home.

Noel West from No 1, 98 Avenue, Clones Town, appeared before Judge Denis McLoughlin at the Cavan court sitting earlier today, (Tuesday, April 28)  charged with assaulting Martin Mc Aleer outside that address.

West is also charged with possession of a knife or article with a sharply pointed blade on the same ocassion.

The incident is alleged to have occurred between 10am and 10.30am.

Inspector Gordon Englishby attached to Bailieborough Garda Station told the court Gardai had no objections to bail subject to the following conditions: that West observe a curfew from 11pm-7am daily and that Gardai have permission to check compliance with the curfew.

West was also ordered that he not interfere with Martin McAleer or any state witnesses in the case, in particular employees of Irish Water and third party contractors providing works by or on behalf of Irish Water.

West told the court he had heard a noise and went outside to see what was happening. West told the court he spoke to one man, before then going to another person who he accuses of saying he would 'hit him'.

West says he then reacted.

Judge Mc Loughlin advised West to seek a solicitor and that anything he had to say could come out in court on the next occasion.

West was then remanded on his own bond of €100 with the conditions attached to appear again at Monaghan District Court on Monday, May 11.