'Walking stick retrieved from car'- Longford women plead guilty to attack on third woman

Two women who pleaded guilty to affray, namely using threatening unlawful violence against another female, will be assessed to consider if they are suitable for community work.

Bridget Flynn (42) of Lanna Aoibheann, Longford and Sharon Flynn (39) of Grianard, Ardnacassa, Longford pleaded guilty at the local district court to the offence on November 1, 2024.

Sergeant Enda Daly, for the State, said Gardaí were alerted to an altercation between three women outside Midoc, Dublin Road, Longford at 3.20am on the date in question.

“On arrival at the scene Gardaí spoke with three females present, one of which was the defendant Ms Bridget Flynn.

“There was a visible injury to Bridget Flynn’s face which she was attending Midoc to receive medical attention for, before the altercation at Midoc.

“CCTV was requested to establish what had happened and on viewing the CCTV it showed Sharon Flynn and her sister Bridget inside Midoc when another [woman] came to the front door at Midoc.

“Sharon and Bridget exited Midoc when they could see her at the front door.

“Sharon then retrieved a walking stick from her car parked outside and Bridget was involved in trying to hit the [victim].”

Sgt Daly said the woman who was struck made no complaint.

Bridget Flynn had six previous convictions, which date back to 2005 and Sharon Flynn had no previous convictions.

Solicitor Aoife Kelly said she would be seeking the Probation Act in respect of both of her clients.

She stated she believed Sharon Flynn was at a low risk of reoffending.

“Ms Sharon Flynn has no previous convictions and she has also given me instruction with regard to her personal family circumstances and they are matters she does not want aired in court.

“Bridget Flynn is offering her apologies to the individual involved and to Midoc as well for the incident that occurred on the night, but as has been outlined by Gardaí she did suffer an injury herself that night and it has had a detrimental effect on her mental health.”

Judge Bernadette Owens directed that the Probation Service carry out a restorative justice report with an order that, if suitable, the pair are to complete 25 hours of community voluntary work.

She remanded both defendants on continuing bail and adjourned the case until May 12.

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