BREAKING: Longford man to stand trial accused of assaulting garda and threatening to kill his wife

Thirty-year-old Sean Taaffe, of St Matthews Park, Ballymahon, Co Longford, appeared at a sitting of Longford District Court where he was served with a book of evidence.

The south Longford man stands accused of assault, causing harm to Garda Keith O'Brien and threatening to kill or cause serious harm to the officer's wife during an incident at Main Street, Lanesboro, Co Longford on March 5, 2023.

He is also charged with allegedly threatening to cause damage to Ballymahon garda station and theft on the same date.

Mr Taaffe, who was wearing beige shorts and a blue zip up top, sat impassively in the body of the court as details of the case were heard before presiding Judge John Brennan.

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Garda David Buckley gave evidence of serving the book of evidence on the accused shortly before this afternoon's hearing.

The court was told Mr Taaffe was currently on High Court bail as Sgt Mark Mahon, for the State,  applied for the four charges contained in the book of evidence to extend to those conditions.

Defence solicitor Fiona Baxter read out the terms of that bond which included orders for Mr Taaffe to stay away from Garda O'Brien or any member of his family, to keep away from Longford town except for court and legal appointments, to sign on daily at Ballymahon garda station and to obey a 10pm to 8am curfew.

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In granting the accused legal aid, Judge Brennan gave Mr Taaffe the alibi warning, instructing him that he has 14 days to notify the State if he intends to rely on an alibi during the course of his trial.

Mr Taaffe was remanded on continuing bail to appear before the next sessions of Longford Circuit Criminal Court on October 3.