Men charged in connection with violent Longford incident to return before court

Three men charged in connection with an incident of violent disorder widely shared on social media will return before Longford District Court early in the New Year.

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 DPP has yet to decide how to proceed with charges against the defendants, who are alleged to be involved in a violent incident that took place on a busy morning outside a school.

Two defendants, John Keenan and David Joyce, were previously denied bail following applications at Longford District Court, while Martin Keenan has not made a bail application.

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Sergeant Mark Mahon told the judge the investigation team has made progress on the matter, but the file has not yet been forwarded to the DPP.

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

Mr Joyce's solicitor, Fiona Baxter, said her client has been in custody since October and asked the judge to consider making the next appearance 'peremptory', meaning if the State has not progressed the matter it will be struck out.

Judge Bernadette Owens said that it was “not at that stage yet”, but did mark 'time passing'.

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When asked if he consented to have the matter adjourned to January 14 next Mr Joyce replied: “I'm going nowhere.”

David Joyce, who also appeared via videolink, 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.

Mr Joyce also consented to have the matter adjourned to January 14, but expressed the wish to have the matter “moved forward” on that date.

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 January 14 next for DPP direction, Judge Owens said she expected progress on that date.

Time passing was marked on the charges against all three defendants.