Altercation in Longford car park after ‘tensions between two families’ boil over

Two women who pleaded guilty to charges of breaching the public order act and affray entered a bond to keep the peace for 18 months.

Winnie Ward (22), 7 Richmond Street, Longford and Margaret Ward (25) 23 Palace Crescent, Longford were before Judge Bernadette Owens in respect of an incident at Longford Shopping Centre car park.

The two defendants were charged with affray and of engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour as a result of the incident on May 3, 2023.

Video footage of the alleged incident was widely shared online at the time. Solicitor Bríd Mimnagh, who acted for both women, said her clients were entering a plea of guilty.

Also read: Longford Circuit Court trial of defendants accused of defilement of their sister

Sergeant Enda Daly told the court that at 7:35pm on the date of the offence officers were called to an incident at the car park of the Tesco supermarket following calls from the public. The Gardaí spoke to two people still in the area and were told of another person who had left the scene.

Having viewed CCTV of the fight the participants were identified. The two defendants, in the presence of three other females, had engaged in the public order offence.

PICTURES | A truly memorable Longford night out as Declan Nerney leads London hooley

“How serious was the fight? Was it pulling and dragging?” Judge Owens asked.

Sgt Daly said the matter cropped up after “tensions between two families spilled out into a public place”.

Sgt Daly said there were no allegations that weapons were used, describing it as “just an altercation that boiled over”.

Ms Mimnagh said that although the CCTV showed that Margaret Ward was shouting at Winnie to kick another party, she had not participated in the actual fight.

Describing the interview the solicitor said: “Winnie gave a full and frank account of her involvement, even before she was shown the CCTV.”

Ms Mimnagh said Winnie Ward's truthfulness was acknowledged by Gardai. She said: “There were a group on sunbeds that day and there were no issues, until heading to the car.”

The solicitor claimed her client had been the victim of “comments and taunts” via text and WhatsApp:
“Winnie had been married for a year, but had not had a child. The other party started taunting her about this and about some scars on her arms. She accepts she should not have behaved the way she did, but felt provoked into it.”

The court was told Margaret Ward had four previous convictions, three for engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour, with the most relevant was after this incident. Winnie Ward had one previous for engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour.

Sgt Daly confirmed that there were no further incidents between the parties, but added: “Judge, I am sure you are well aware of the situation in town.”

Ms Mimnagh informed the judge that Winnie is the mother of one child, while Margaret is the mother of three children.

Also read: Heed your speed! Longford motorists take note - speed limits being cut with some rural roads going to 30km/h

In summing up Judge Owens said: “If this was a stand alone matter for Margaret Ward she would be at risk of a custodial sentence because of the previous convictions, however as she had the lesser role in the incident where she went in to “shore up” for her sister, I can take a different view.”

The judge directed that both women be placed on a peace bond, with a cash lodgement of €250 to keep the peace for 18 months.

Also read: Assault case to go before Longford Circuit Court