EXCLUSIVE |
Alleged animal cruelty hearing dropped after man arrested over offences dies suddenly
His identity is widely known in Fermanagh, where he had been a significant and popular figure in Gaelic football circles
A case of alleged bestiality has been dropped after the sudden death of a man, the Sunday World has learned.
A man from Fermanagh was arrested last month on suspicion of a number offences, including animal cruelty.
And he was also quizzed about a video widely circulating online which appeared to show an individual engaged in a sex act with a dog.
The man was released on bail to allow further police investigation and he was scheduled to return at a date in the future for further questioning.
His identity is widely known in Fermanagh, where he had been a significant and popular figure in Gaelic football circles.
At the time of his arrest, police in the Lakeland County issued a statement asking the public not to circulate or share the footage, but to report it to police.
A spokesperson for the PSNI said: “We are investigating reports of a video circulating online and arrested a man in his 40s on suspicion of a number of offences.
” He has since been interviewed and released on bail to allow further police inquiries and will return for further questioning on a future date.”
The spokesperson added: “We would ask that people do not share any footage viewed online, but instead report it to police to assist with our investigation.”
This week a police source told us: “It is appears this case may well have ended up before the courts, but the sudden death of the suspect meant it could no longer proceed.”
The Sunday World has learned that the individual involved was already well known to police on both sides of the border.
The man had been wanted by gardaí in the Republic for a range of public order offences dating back to 2011 and had been recently jailed for assaults on officers.
He later appeared before an extradition court and was held in custody in Northern Ireland.
At the time, a spokesman for the International Policing Unit said: “The PSNI continues to work with our partners to bring offenders before the courts.
“Our message is clear that there is nowhere to hid in Northern Ireland and that we will actively pursue all wanted persons believed to be in this jurisdiction.”
His identity is widely known in Fermanagh, where he had been a significant and popular figure in Gaelic football circles
News in 90 Seconds – September 17th