By Gordon Deegan

A couple have been unable to move into their new home near the Clare village of Inagh due to the actions of a neighbouring farmer and self-titled 'God's Enforcer' in blocking the roadway to their home, a court has heard.

At Ennis District Court, Judge Alec Gabbett said that the couple have been “driven so demented” by the actions of 55-year-old Jim Greene of Ballyhea North, Ennistymon that they have been forced to take out a circuit court injunction against him.

At the district court, Greene is accused of the burglary at the home of Robert Foley and Ciara O’Flynn at Ballyhea North, Ennistymon on dates between April 2 and April 15 last.

Garda Brion Dolan told the court that for the month of March, Greene had his car parked on the roadway and a very narrow lane leading to the couple’s home which blocked access to their home which they have a mortgage on. 

Garda Dolan said that Greene blocking access has meant that the couple have been unable to move into a property they purchased late last year.

During a contested bail hearing in Clare, Garda Dolan said: “They were due to move in on Easter Sunday and they feel that they can't because they can't access the property because of Mr. Greene’s actions.”

Garda Dolan said that Greene believes that he was entitled to inherit the couple's property from a previous owner “and he has allegedly engaged in a campaign targeting the new owners of the property which are the subject of charge sheets before the courts”.

Garda Dolan said that it will be alleged that Greene stole two items from the couple's property and burnt them.

He said that it will be further alleged that subsequently Greene emailed the couple's solicitors to say that he was "'God’s Enforcer’ acting under spiritual policeman’s law which he feels entitles him to enter the property and buildings to investigate witchcraft and Voodoo”.

Garda Dolan said that “Mr. Greene views himself as above the laws of Ireland and answerable only to a higher being”. 

Garda Dolan further stated that a file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in relation to more serious charges against Greene “and I would strongly suggest that charges will be preferred against Mr. Greene in the future”.

Judge Gabbett said that the couple obtained a circuit court injunction against Greene on April 7.

Solicitor for Greene, Tara Godfrey said that her client has no history of criminal behaviour. She added that her client is a farmer with a small land-holding and has animals to look after.

Judge Gabbett said: "It does strike me that Mr. Greene is suffering from a delusional illness and it strikes me that he may not be that well.”

Judge Gabbett said that he would be refusing bail and remanded Greene in custody to appear at Ennis District Court, Co. Clare next Wednesday, May 14. Judge Gabbett said that "public safety is at the forefront of my thinking” in refusing bail.

Tara Godfrey said that Greene “will have to call upon the charity of neighbours to assist with the farming”. Judge Gabbett said that he was mindful of that.