Longford District Court: Deanscurragh attack accused denied bail

A defendant charged in connection with a violent incident that took place on a busy morning outside a school was denied bail following a lengthy bail application at Longford District Court.

Martin Keenan (34) of 81 Ardnacassa Avenue, Longford was denied bail after Judge Bernadette Owens determined that the Stage had met the necessary threshold for an objection under Section 2 of the Bail Act.

The defendant appeared before Judge Owens charged with production of an article, a shovel, while committing violent disorder and assault at Deanscurragh, Longford at 9:30am on Thursday, October 10, 2024.

The alleged offence is connected to an incident which saw David Joyce (28) and Winnie Keenan (28) both of 35 Palace Crescent, Ardnacassa, Longford charged with violent disorder with Mr Joyce facing an additional charge of producing a shovel and red handled screener in the course of a dispute.

At Tuesday evening's bail hearing Garda Gerard Mallarkey outlined how the accused made no reply when both charges were put to him, and put forward the State's objections to bail under O’Callaghan Rules and Section 2 of the Bail Act, 1997.

Solicitor Fiona Baxter said her client was willing to abide by any conditions Gardaí put forward, including residing outside of County Longford, abiding by a curfew and suggested that a lodgement of €5,000 in cash could be made.

Giving the judge background to the matter Sergeant Enda Daly said the victim at the centre of the incident, Patrick Stokes, has undergone two operations at Dublin’s Mater Hospital to treat a stab wound to his stomach sustained last Thursday.

Sgt Daly described the incident as “outrageous” pointing out it had taken place as young children were being dropped off at St Joseph’s National School.

Denying Mr Keenan bail Judge Owens said although the State had not met the required threshold under O’Callaghan Rules, bail would be denied as there was sufficient evidence under Section 2 of the Bail Act to hold Mr Keenan in custody.

She remanded Mr Keenan in custody to appear via video link at next Tuesday's sitting of Longford District Court.