NEIGHBOURS appeared in Castleblayney District Court on Monday in relation to an ongoing feud that has been taking place between neighbours in the mid-Monaghan village.

A minor who is involved in the case alleged that Wendy Coleman (30) of 3 Doohamlet, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan had “set her dog” on her on 27 June 2007. The young person claimed that Mrs Coleman had jumped out of her jeep and pointed at the minor and said “go on dog” to encourage her dog to attack the young person.

The minor then claimed that Mrs Coleman opened her door “a wedge” and stared at her. The youth also claimed that Mrs Coleman made inappropriate gestures and “stuck her tongue out” at the young person.

Barrister for the defence Mr Ken Connolly claimed that if the child had been standing at Connolly’s pub as she claimed, that she would not be able to see Mrs Coleman arriving at the house in her jeep.

The young person claimed that a friend of hers had hit Coleman’s dog with a stone. However when the child’s mother took the stand she said that her son had been in the bath at the time and had not been with the youth.

Garda Inspector, Karl Heller asked the witness if she was sure that her son had not been with the minor involved and she said that she was sure.

When Wendy Coleman took the stand she told the court “that is not true at all.” She said that her dog was a small jack russell which plays with all the children in the area.

She told the court that she remembers the day because her “girls were getting ready [for the youth disco] and were running late.” With regards to making a rude gesture to the young person Mrs Coleman said “absolutely not.”

The court heard how the two families had lived next door to each other but had fallen out after the family of the young person had moved a garden shed belonging to the Coleman family.

Margaret McCormack, who also lives in Doohamlet told the court how her son had fell out with the minor who is involved in this case. She told the court how her son is “not allowed in the park” if the minor or her siblings are in it.

Miriam McKenzie who is now living in Scotland, also gave evidence saying that the complaint against Mrs Coleman “was one of many made up complaints” by the minor’s family. Barrister for the defence Ken Connolly said that the reason the two witnesses were called “was simply for credibility.”

In his summing up Judge Sean McBride said “I am satisfied that the case has been proved.” On the assault charge, the judge ordered that Mrs Coleman pay €500 to the victim. He also imposed a three month sentence, which has been suspended for two years. He ordered that Mrs Coleman has no contact with the family of the victim or put them in fear or molest them.

He imposed a fine of €350 under the Control of Dogs Act. He also imposed a fine of €400 for the public order offence and imposed a concurrent suspended sentence of two months.