Granard man left kids in car after garda pursuit

A Granard man accused of driving at speed inside a Co Longford housing estate before abandoning his car while three children were still sitting in the back seat, has been remanded on continuing bail.

Patrick Stokes (23), of Orange Fort, Coolarty, Granard, Longford, appeared at a recent sitting of Longford District Court arising from an incident at Mostrim Oaks, Ballymahon Road, Edgeworthstown.

The court heard how Mr Stokes had been seen by gardaí travelling at speed while making a right hand turn into the aforementioned estate without indicating. As gardaí followed the vehicle, it was claimed Mr Stokes drove his car up on a curb and across a green verge at speed.

Asked by Judge Hughes what exactly the prosecuting garda believed Mr Stokes had done in terms of committing dangerous driving, the court was told it was the defendant’s speed and the way in which he appeared to “cut the corner” going into Mostrim Oaks.

“It was more than 50km/hr and he jumped and ran from the car,” said the garda.

As the incident continued to unfold, Judge Hughes was told Mr Stokes made his way into a house while three children remained in the back seat. After speaking to Mr Stokes’ partner, it was alleged the defendant soon came out of the house and spoke to gardaí himself over what had just occurred.

Details of Mr Stokes being arrested, cautioned and charges were spelled out to the court with the defendant making no reply when it was put to him. Defence solicitor Fiona Baxter applied for disclosure concerning relevant statements and other documents relating to the case, a request which was granted by Judge Hughes.

Mr Stokes was remanded to appear back at Longford District Court on March 15 next.