Three Clarecastle men have pleaded guilty to their roles in a violent incident which occurred during broad daylight on a busy Ennis street last June.
Presiding over the case at Ennis District Court, Judge Patrick Durcan his out at the ‘utmost depravity’ of the trio.
23 year old Michael Mongans of Clarehill, Clarecastle pleaded guilty to producing a machete with intent to intimidate or threaten violence against another at Bank Place, Ennis on June 11th last.
Two other men – 22 year old Michael Carr and 23 year old Martin Faulkner – both of Rose Cottage, Clarecastle – pleaded guilty to producing a golf club and timber bat to threaten violence, in relation to the same incident.
The court heard the three arrived at the scene at 11.30am with their weapons as part of an inter-family dispute and chased others who took refuge in the nearby Post Office and Bank of Ireland branches.
No injuries were sustained, and CCTV captured the incident.
Judge Patrick Durcan said he regards "this thuggish, arrogant behaviour" as being "of the utmost depravity."
He pointed out that Mr Mongans has previous convictions and was in possession of the most serious weapon, jailing him for six months.
Mr Carr and Mr Faulkner were both sentenced to 100 hours of community service in lieu of three months jail with their cases adjourned to next month.
