Longford man charged with possessing a stun gun and assaulting a garda

A Longford man has been charged with possessing a stun gun and assaulting a garda during an alleged incident in Edgeworthstown over three years ago.

Kevin Stokes Jnr (30) Lisnanagh, Edgeworthstown, Co Longford was brought before a sitting of Longford District Court last Tuesday to face both charges.

Sgt James Rowan gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution.

He said the accused made no reply when the charges were put to him shortly before 10:30am.

Mr Stokes, who is in custody on an unrelated matter, stood quietly in the custody suite of the court as details surrounding the case were relayed to Judge Bernadette Owens.

Sgt Mark Mahon, when asked if directions were available from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), said both charges could be dealt with by way of 'summary disposal', meaning the case could be heard at District Court level.

Sgt Mahon, however, qualified those remarks by saying the DPP had consented to that course of action, but on a guilty plea only.

A disclosure order for all statements relating to the case was granted to defence solicitor Fiona Baxter.

In addressing the court, Ms Baxter said she would require a two week adjournment to allow her undertake a video call with Mr Stokes in order to obtain directions.

Ms Baxter also made an application for legal aid owing to Mr Stokes currently being out of work.

The case is due to return before Judge Bernadette Owens at a sitting of Longford District Court next Tuesday (November 21).