Farmer who drove at Department of Agriculture officials fined

A farmer who drove his car at a vehicle in which two Department of Agriculture officials were travelling has been fined €1,000. The officials had visited his farm to “investigate livestock issues”.

Howard Cranston (73), of Skerrymore, Drumacrib, Castleblayney, was fined €1,000 on Wednesday when a judge reduced a dangerous driving charge to the lesser charge of careless driving.

Cranston pleaded guilty to the driving charge, and a further charge of engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour at Lurganearly, Co Monaghan, on September 4th.

Garda Inspector Pat O’Connell, prosecuting, told Carrickmacross District Court that Cranston drove his car at a vehicle in which the Department officials were travelling and shouted abuse at them.

It appeared he had “an issue” with the officials who visited his farm on the same occasion.

Defence lawyer Gerry Jones said Cranston denied driving his vehicle at the other vehicle but had claimed he was "trying to flag them down" on the roadway. He apologised for his behaviour.

In imposing the €1,000 fine, Judge Patrick Clyne agreed to a plea by the defence lawyer to reduce the charge, as stated.

The second charge was dismissed.