Deanscurragh accused to return to Longford District Court

Three men charged in connection with an incident of violent disorder widely shared on social media had the charges against them adjourned to December 13 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.

Also Read: PICTURES | Local enterprise showcased at impressive Christmas Fair in Lanesboro

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.

In each of the cases Sergeant Enda Daly said the State wished to have the matter adjourned to December 17 as directions were still outstanding.

At a previous sitting the solicitor of defendant David Joyce, Brid Mimnagh, requested that her client be moved from the Cloverhill prison to Castlerea prison “for his own safety”.

Also Read: Job Alert: Bluett & O'Donoghue are now recruiting for a Personal Assistant

Addressing her client at last week's sitting, where he appeared via videolink, Ms Mimnagh told Mr Joyce: “You have the judge to thank for getting you moved to Castlerea.”

The matter was then adjourned to December 17 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.

Ms Mimnagh, who represented all three of the defendant, said she would be making a police property application in respect of a car that was seized by Gardai in the course of the investigation. Ms Mimnagh explained that the defendant's wife, a mother of five, was incapacitated by being deprived of a car.

The solicitor said any forensic examination of the vehicle should be completed at this stage.

Also Read: Severe ice warning for Longford as temperatures are expected to plummet

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

Remanding Mr Keenan in custody to return before the judge on December 17 next for DPP direction, Judge Owens said she expected progress on that date.