Kildare court: Update in alleged Curragh ‘straightener’ court case

A number of people accused of being involved in a 'straightener' event were sent forward for trial at Naas District Court on Thursday, July 20.

Back in April, Judge Desmond Zaidan was told that the alleged event, which gardaí claimed was the result of a family feud, took place on a road located in The Curragh on February 8, 2021.

Gardaí said that the feud allegedly involved the following suspects: Wesley Ward, 18, John Ward (Senior), 49, John Ward (Junior), 27, and Michael Devereaux, 29, who are all residing at 9 Rosconnell Avenue in Newbridge.

The other alleged parties involved include James Ward, 44, and his son Martin Ward, 21, both of whom reside at 13 Beechmount in Newbridge.

When Judge Zaidan asked what the motive behind the suspected feud was, gardaí alleged that both parties alleged that there were accusations of bullying; specifically, between the two youngest sons of both parties.

The suspects were accused of using weapons such as swords and pick-axe handles during the course of the fight, although no serious injuries were recorded as a result of the alleged fight.

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Solicitor David Gibbons, who represents both Martin and James Ward, told a court session last month 'that there is now peace' between the parties involved, but the State is still proceeding with the charges.

After books of evidence were served on the defendants, the presiding judge, Deirdre Gearty, sent the men forward for trial at the next sittings of Naas Circuit Criminal Court, which will commence on October 3.

Bail variations were also made for three of the defendants, which resulted in relaxed curfews.