OAP arrested over allegations of posting soiled knickers through Jim Corr’s letter box

Jim Corr

A neighbour of Dundalk-born musician Jim Corr has been arrested over allegations of posting soiled knickers through his letter box.

According to a report in today’s Irish Mirror, officers questioned the pensioner over claims of harassment at the luxury gated Crawfordsburn estate in Co Down, where the 50-year-old lives.

According to the paper, Jim – the eldest member of pop group The Corrs – turned detective and put up security cameras in a bid to identify the person behind the string of incidents.

The suspect was quizzed over an alleged long-running campaign against the guitarist, who it is claimed has also had his car damaged and post stolen at his plush apartment at Sharman House on the shores of Belfast Lough.

The Mirror reports that tensions between a number of neighbours at the exclusive development had been simmering for around three years after a row over cutting down a section of trees escalated.

Police have been investigating claims of cars being damaged and dog poo being posted through letter boxes at the gated village for more than a year.

PSNI Inspector Roberta Morris confirmed the investigation.

She said: “I can confirm a 70-year-old from the Crawfordsburn area was arrested on November 4 on suspicion of harassment, theft, criminal damage and interference with mail to the detriment of another.

“A report has now been forwarded to the PPS.”

The late Ian Paisley owned an apartment in the same development before his passing last year and lived there after retiring from politics. Homes in the development can sell for around €500,000.

Paisley’s visit to Dundalk 28 years ago was one of the most unfortunate incidents in the town’s history

While he was not exactly a regular visitor to Dundalk over the years, the passing of former Northern Irish first minister Ian Paisley will generate much debate over the next few days.

A visit by the former DUP leader to Dundalk in August 1986 will certainly go down as one of the most memorable, if unfortunate, incidents of many people’s lives as riots rocked the town.

The unfortunate incident, captured in video format above, came about following a court appearance in the town by Deputy DUP leader Peter Robinson and his  Paisley.

Hundreds of Gardai in riot gear were brought into Dundalk for the day and all cars entering town were searched.

The town virtually closed down for the duration of the court appearance and Mr Robinson and Paisley were escorted from the Border and virtually smuggled into court via a back door.

A large crowd gathered in the town centre and protestors were escorted by Gardai. This did not stop some protestors tearing up ‘Ulster Says No” banners.

The court case itself was over in minutes when Justice T.P. O’Reilly adjourned the matter to Ballybay for the following October, but after the DUP leaders were escorted out of town there was a minor ourbreak of trouble in Church Street.

Some protestors positioned themselves in unoccupied buildings in the street where they threw petrol bombs at Loyalist supporters of the DUP leadership who were being escorted out of town by the Gardai.

The incident was condemned by Mr. Paisley, but two hours after the court case the town returned to normal and there was widespread praise for the Gardai for the manner in which they handled a very difficult incident.

Riots in Dundalk 27 years ago

It’s 27 years ago today since riots rocked Dundalk’s streets. The unfortunate incident, captured in video format above, came about following a court appearance in the town by Deputy DUP leader Peter Robinson and his leader Ian Paisley.

Hundreds of Gardai in riot gear were brought into Dundalk for the day and all cars entering town were searched.

The town virtually closed down for the duration of the court appearance and Mr Robinson and his leader were escorted from the Border and virtually smuggled into court via a back door.

A large crowd gathered in the town centre and protestors were escorted by Gardai. This did not stop some protestors tearing up ‘Ulster Says No” banners.

The court case itself was over in minutes when Justice T.P. O’Reilly adjourned the matter to Ballybay for the following October, but after the DUP leaders were escorted out of town there was a minor ourbreak of trouble in Church Street.

Some protestors positioned themselves in unoccupied buildings in the street where they threw petrol bombs at Loyalist supporters of the DUP leadership who were being escorted out of town by the Gardai.

The incident was condemned by Mr. Paisley, but two hours after the court case the town returned to normal and there was widespread praise for the Gardai for the manner in which they handled a very difficult incident.