Hill farmer convicted of assaulting neighbour whom he blamed for marriage break-up

A farmer has been sentenced to 12 months in jail after he was convicted of ambushing and assaulting a neighbour and former friend whom he blamed for the break-up of his marriage.

Brendan Kelleher (53), Millstreet, Co Cork, had denied assault causing harm to Martin Kelleher (60) and causing criminal damage to Mr Kelleher's vehicle at Moulnahorna, Macroom, Co Cork, on May 16th, 2012.

Cross-examined by defence solicitor Frank Purcell, Martin Kelleher said he had a good relationship with Brendan Kelleher up until the break-up of his marriage some years ago and he accepted that he was blaming him publicly for the break-up.

At Kinsale District Court yesterday, Brendan Kelleher denied he was at Moul- nahorna that day as he had cattle to feed on one farm at Carriganima early in the morning and he later went to another farm at Nadd to dose cattle with his nephew, John Kelleher.

He denied that he was “eaten up with emotion” over the breakdown of his marriage for which he laid the blame squarely at the door of Martin Kelleher.

Judge James McNulty convicted Brendan Kelleher of both charges and sentenced him to 12 months in jail for the assault.