Case of three Longford men charged in connection with violent disorder incident adjourned

Three men charged in connection with an incident of violent disorder widely shared on social media had the charges against them adjourned to December at last week's sitting of Longford District Court.

David Joyce (29) of 5 Palace Crescent, Ardnacassa, John Keenan (31) of 37 Palace Crescent, Longford and Martin Keenan (34) 81 Ard Na Cassa Avenue Longford were before judge Bernadette Owens in respect of the charges.

The defendants, who are alleged to be involved in a violent incident that took place on a busy morning outside a school, were previously denied bail following bail applications at Longford District Court.

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David Joyce is 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.

At last week's court sitting Sergeant Enda Daly said the investigation into the matter is ongoing and the prosecution is waiting on DPP direction. Sgt Daly said the incident room was compiling a file for the DPP and it was expected in four week.

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At a previous sitting defendant's solicitor, Brid Mimnagh, asked if her client could be moved from the prison he is currently on remand in “for his own safety”.

Ms Mimnagh pointed out that Mr Joyce, who appeared via videolink, was still in Cloverhill even though the application to move him to Castlerea was made “for his own personal safety and proximity to family”.

Noting that the charge was first dealt with at Mullingar District Court Judge Owens said she would repeat the request to have Mr Joyce transferred to Castlerea and said she would write to the governor of both Cloverhill and Castlerea about the transfer.

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The matter was then adjourned to December 3 for directions. The defendant will appear by videolink at that sitting.

John Keenan, who also appeared by videolink, was charged with violent disorder production of an article and assault.

A request by Sgt Daly for a remand in custody for four weeks, which was consented to by Mr Keenan, was to allow for a decision by the DPP on how to progress with matters. Judge Owens concluded a separate matter relating to an outstanding fine warrant. Noting Mr Keenan was in custody since the previous Monday the judge cancelled the Bench Warrant and directed a strike out of the fine.

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Martin Keenan, who is charged with the production of an article, a shovel, while committing violent disorder and assault in respect of an incident on October 10 also appeared via videolink.

The defendant was also remanded in custody to return before the judge on December 3 next for DPP direction.