Gilligan Assault Case: Evidence States Conclusion
Defence Claims “Reasonable Action” in Alleged Assault Case at Jamaica Inn Hostel
Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare – A defence team has presented its case in the trial of Niall Gilligan, 48, who denies assaulting a 12-year-old boy with a stick at the Jamaica Inn hostel on October 5, 2023. Mr. Gilligan, a publican, auctioneer, and farmer, maintains he acted in self-defence and to protect his property.
Defence Witnesses Testify to Property Damage and Timing
The defence,led by barrister Patrick Whyms,called two witnesses to support Mr. Gilligan’s account.
Photographer’s Testimony Places Gilligan at Hostel
Professional photographer Martin Murphy testified that he took photographs at the Jamaica Inn hostel on October 5, 2024, precisely one year after the alleged incident. Mr. Murphy captured images between 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm, coinciding with the time of the alleged assault in 2023. He also revisited the property earlier this month to take further photographs, all of which were presented to the jury. Mr. Murphy stated he has known Mr. Gilligan as he was a young man.
Builder Confirms Plywood Purchase for Hostel Repairs
Flan O’Neill, a builder from Shannon, provided evidence that he sold plywood to Niall Gilligan on October 5, 2023. Mr. O’Neill confirmed that the plywood was cut to size as Mr.Gilligan required it to repair broken windows at the Jamaica Inn hostel.The cost of the materials, including VAT, was €36. Mr. Gilligan has no previous convictions.
Prosecution’s Case: Severe Injuries Sustained by Boy
Earlier in the proceedings, the jury heard that the then 12-year-old boy allegedly assaulted by Mr. Gilligan sustained a fractured bone in his left hand.Medical reports from October 2023 detailed further injuries, including a 2cm wound to his right forearm, a 2cm wound to his right shin, and bruising to his right shoulder. Medics also believed the boy may have briefly lost consciousness earlier on the day of the incident.
Gilligan’s Statement: “Reasonable Manner” to Protect Self and Property
Niall Gilligan was formally arrested on suspicion of assault at Shannon Garda Station on February 19, 2024. Accompanied by his solicitor, Daragh Hassett, Mr. Gilligan denied the assault. In a prepared statement, he asserted that on October 5, 2023, at the Jamaica Inn hostel, he “acted in a reasonable manner to protect myself from injury and assault from a person or persons unknown to me in the conditions that prevailed.”
he further elaborated that his actions were to “protect my property from destruction by fire and further damage.” Mr. Gilligan stated, “I didn’t know who or what was coming at me that night.” He expressed regret for the boy’s injuries but emphasized that the incident would not have occurred if the boy and others had not broken into his property, lit a fire, stolen keys, and caused other damage.
The trial continues before a jury of seven men and five women.