One bird too many arrived at a suspected illegal cockfight in a remote part of Co Meath, Kells District Court was told yesterday.
The Garda "eye in the sky" had a bird's-eye view of what appeared to be preparations for a cockfight. It took video footage of the scene near Kells last June.
The court heard that the film showed a group of 30 people gathered in a circle in a field, with their vehicles parked near by. On realising they were being "spied" upon by a Garda aircraft, the crowd began to scatter.
One car could be seen reversing from a farm track on to the road, while a jeep allegedly belonging to the defendant left the field by another route.
The film was viewed yesterday by Judge John Brophy. Before the court was Mr James Melia, Diamor, Crossakeel, Kells, who was charged with causing, procuring or assisting in fighting or baiting under the Protection of Animals Act, 1911. However, the case was dismissed when Mr Melia's solicitor successfully argued that the townland on the summons was incorrect.
Judge Brophy said he would have considered imposing a jail term on Mr Melia if he had been convicted in relation to the alleged cockfight.
After the case the Meath Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said it wanted those involved in such activities to know they would not get away with them.
Garda Paul Gallagher of the Air Support Unit said he was in the vicinity of Oldcastle when he observed a fenced-off circular area in a field surrounded by people with parked vehicles.
Once the helicopter was seen the crowd started to leave. He said the jeep was lost from sight after it drove through an area covered by trees and the unit then had to return to refuel. However, the gardaí got the registration plate number.
Four "spurs" used in cockfighting, three inches in length with razor tips on the ends, were recovered.
By nature the birds attack each other using their feet and adding the spurs results in a blood sport.
The judge said: "It was clearly set up to be a cockfight and the defendant thought he was smarter than the others going out another exit."