'Ran at another with golf club' Judge makes decision on Longford trio who admit affray

Three county Longford men, who pleaded guilty to public order following an incident in a garage forecourt last year that involved one of the men allegedly running at another with a golf club, have been placed on a peace bond.

Francis Stokes (25) of Corboy, Edgeworthstown, Gary Stokes (36) of 42 Palace Crescent, Ardnacassa, Longford and Thomas Stokes (28) of 39 Palace Crescent, Longford each admitted affray, (which is defined as fighting in public) on the Dublin Road, Longford on March 28 last year.

Francis Stokes also pleaded guilty to a second offence having produced “an article capable of inflicting serious injury, namely a golf club” during the course of the fight.

At a previous hearing, Sergeant Enda Daly, for the State, said the incident unfolded after Francis Stokes drove into the forecourt of a service station at 8.20pm.

The court heard Thomas Stokes also drove his car into the forecourt a short time later accompanied by his brother, Gary Stokes.

Sgt Daly said Thomas Stokes went into the shop and pre-paid for Kerosene and Francis Stokes then appeared to have said something to Gary Stokes who was sitting in the passenger seat of the car.

Sgt Daly said footage then showed Francis Stokes run to the boot of his car and take out a golf club and runs towards Gary, who hides behind another car.

“Thomas Stokes then appears to then grab Francis to the ground, and both him and Gary appear to kick Francis three or four times while he’s laying on the ground before a third party intervenes.

"All males then left the scene, the golf club was not recovered."

The defendants, were represented by solicitor John Anderson who last Tuesday said the trio had 'made up their differences' and 'moved on'.

Judge Bernadette Owens directed that the three defendant enter a peace bond for €500 each for a period of two years.

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