Longford grandmother ‘should have been leading by example’

An 83 year old woman who was “well able to hold her own corner” received the benefit of the Probation Act at Longford District Court.

Annie Stokes of 10 Grian Ard, Ardnacassa Longford faced a charge that on March 16, 2022 at Midoc, Dublin Road, Longford she engaged in threatening or abusive behaviour.
Solicitor Brid Mimanagh said her client came before the court as a result of an incident in the aftermath of a more serious occurrence.

The solicitor said the elderly lady was aware of an alleged altercation that happened in Longford town. The parties involved were her grandchildren and Ms Stokes “became agitated”.
Ms Mimnagh said her client, who uses a walking aid, had good intentions: “She went down to Midoc to tell them to have a bit of manners. Her intention was to put some sense into her grandchildren, but it came out wrong.”

Sergeant Snda Daly said the defendant had a previous conviction from 2010 for possession of an article. Judge Bernadette Ownes said: “It appears Ms Stokes is well able to hold her own corner. She should have been leading by example in this matter. This is a very serious situation.”
Taking the facts of the case into consideration Judge Owens said she would deal with the case by way of Section 1.2 of the Probation Act.