A COUNTY Donegal farmer who spat in the face of a six-year-old boy because of family row over land has apologised in court.
William McGeehan appeared before Letterkenny District Court accused of spitting at neighbour Raymond Lynch and his two sons in Newmills in February last year.
His spit had struck both Mr Lynch and one of his sons. A seven-year-old brother had ducked out of the way, the court heard.
Garda Inspector Goretti Sheridan told the court that the family had been out walking near their home when the incident happened.
She said there had been a family feud over farm land and Mr Lynch had only called gardai because the attack was on his children.
McGeehan’s brother James had driven up to them and William McGeehan had put the window down and spat at all three.
Judge Paul Kelly said the incident was “one of the most disgusting” things a person could do to someone else and “ten times worse” when done by a man on a child.
He asked McGeehan if he was sorry for what he had done.
“I am,” said the farmer, “I wasn’t thinking straight.”
McGeehan then apologised to Mr Lynch and his wife in court.
Judge Kelly bound McGeehan over to keep the peace for two years on his own bond of €300.