A pig farmer who was jailed for ordering two repossession men to strip naked and get into a pen with a boar has been released on bail ahead of his appeal.

Donal Connaughton (55) of Elfeet, Newtowncashel in Co. Longford was given a 12-month sentence at Longford Circuit Court last month.

The Court of Criminal Appeal said it was influenced by the fact that his sentence is likely to expire before his appeal is heard.

The court has heard he will allege jury bias, as he claims he was approached by a man during his trial who told him that he had a man on the jury.

The prosecution says the matter has been investigated and gardai are satisfied nothing untoward went on.