‘Allegations are serious’ - Longford man bailed twice inside a week for violent incidents

A man who was released on bail last week following an assault incident in Longford town has once again been admitted to bail for an incident of a similar nature, which took place within the space of a week.

Johnny Nevin (29), and his wife, Michelle Nevin (30), both of 12 Legion Terrace, Townspark, Longford, appeared before Judge Bernadette Owens at Athlone District Court, charged with a violent disorder incident, which took place outside a filling station in Longford town.

Ms Nevin was remanded on bail to Longford District Court on September 16 while her husband made an application for bail, which was contested by the state.

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Garda Patrick Fallon, giving evidence of the violent disorder incident, which took place at Gala, Hanlon’s, Dublin Road, Longford, on Tuesday, June 10, told the court that the maximum penalty for violent disorder is ten years in prison.

He also said it is likely there will be further charges added to the indictment, following the completion of a file for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The violent disorder is alleged to have taken place on Tuesday, June 10, at approximately 9.30am, at Hanlon’s Gala, where a large number of people were present in the store, “given the time of the morning”.

“It is alleged another male, who is also charged and before the courts for the offence, Christy McDonnell, entered the store and, a short time later, he was followed by Michelle Nevin and Johnny Nevin,” said Gda Fallon, adding that it is alleged the husband and wife were “looking for Christy McDonnell”.

An altercation then began on the shop floor, in front of a large number of people, with a number of punches thrown from each of the parties before they were separated by members of the staff.

“Christy McDonnell left the store, but returned where the physical altercation resumed at the front door of the shop. It is alleged Johnny Nevin assaulted Christy McDonnell and his wife, Bernadette by striking both individuals with his fist,” said Gda Fallon.

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“Johnny Nevin was then pepper sprayed by Christy McDonnell inside the shop before McDonnell left the store.”

Johnny Nevin was subsequently arrested and detained at Longford Garda Station where he made full admissions, the court heard.

CCTV footage played in court showed the second half of the altercation, when Mr McDonnell returned to the shop.

Gda Fallon indicated that Mr Nevin was “essentially caught red handed” in this incident, as the CCTV footage is of “excellent quality”, with Mr Nevin being “clearly identifiable”.

The objection to bail was also on the basis that Gardaí have “great concerns” regarding the possibility that Mr Nevin would “directly or indirectly” interfere with witnesses.

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Gardaí are satisfied the reasons for this altercation at Hanlon’s is because Johnny Nevin, along with his brother, was charged on June 4, 2025, with three offences, namely criminal damage, assault causing harm and production of a weapon, the court heard.

“As already outlined, Gardaí would have serious concerns Johnny Nevin would continue to commit serious offences if he is granted bail,” said Gda Fallon.

“Johnny Nevin was before this court one week ago today following an incident of a similar nature. He was released on bail to abide by a number of conditions, but he continued to commit offences.

“If Johnny Nevin is granted bail today, I have no doubt, given the evidence I have presented, that he will continue to commit further offences. I do not believe that any conditions or a surety or a curfew would alleviate my concerns in any way.”

One of the bail conditions was to have no contact, direct or indirect with any injured party, he pointed out.

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Solicitor for the defence, Diarmuid Quinn, upon cross-examination, pointed out that it was Christy McDonnell who discharged the pepper spray during the incident, but Gda Fallon pointed out that “all four individuals were involved”.

“He didn’t instigate, Mr McDonnell approached his wife in an aggressive manner,” said Mr Quinn.

“All that were present acted in a violent manner,” Gda Fallon replied.

“But there was no premeditation, no weapon. It was a chance encounter,” said Mr Quinn.

“There was still violence displayed,” said Gda Fallon.

Mr Quinn pointed out that the incident which took place the previous week related to another incident from October 2024 but, between October and last week, there were no other incidents.

“But there has been violence since he was charged,” Gda Fallon insisted.

Mr Nevin had €1,000 in court that could be lodged, Mr Quinn said, adding that his client was willing to sign on, but Gda Fallon stressed that there were no conditions that would alleviate his concerns.

Sergeant Sandra Keane, for the state, pointed out that Mr Nevin is “a mature man”, and that “he should have understood”.

“The court gave him bail and within a week there was violence in front of a shop in Longford town,” she said. “The allegations are serious.”

Judge Owens noted that the CCTV played for the court related to the second incident when Mr McDonnell returned to the shop, but she had not seen CCTV of the original incident.

“Mr McDonnell came back to the shop and in those circumstances, I’m going to admit him to bail on strict conditions,” she said.

Those conditions included an own bond of €1,000 to be lodged, that he reside at the address on the charge sheet, abide by a 10pm to 6am curfew, sign on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays at Longford Garda Station, and stay out of Hanlon’s Gala.

He was remanded on bail to July 15 for DPP directions.

“If there is a whimper of noncompliance with those conditions, you’ll be back in front of me and your bail will be revoked,” she concluded.

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