Longford District Court: ‘Family get-together’ ends in arrests

A 66 year old man who got into an altercation outside a pub following “a family get together” has been given the opportunity to avoid a conviction.
Michael Stokes (66) of 2 Auburn Park, Edgeworthstown, Longford was facing two public order charges: engaging in threatening or abusive behaviour, and public intoxication.

Sergeant Enda Daly outlined the details of the events on the night of November 19, 2023. Sgt Daly said Granard Garda station received a call regarding a disturbance at Conefreys Bar, Edgeworthstown.
Officers arrived on the scene at 12:10am and noted a fight in the street. Sgt Daly said there was “a family get together” in the pub. A fight broke out in the pub, then spilled out into the street. Two males were threatening and aggressive and had to be restrained and arrested by Gardaí.

The court was told Mr Stokes had four previous convictions, all for road traffic offences and the last one in 2013.
Solicitor Fiona Baxter told the court her client is not someone who is know to Gardaí: “He has expressed regret and shame about his behaviour on the night,” the solicitor said.

Ms Baxter explained that the row broke out after Mr Stokes' son and a son-in-law got into an argument in the pub. He endeavoured to calm matters as they got more heated, but the altercation spilled out to the street.
Ms Baxter said her client fully co-operated with Gardaí. The solicitor explained that a co-accused was previously dealt with in the District Court and afforded the opportunity to make a court poor box donation of €300 to avoid a conviction.
Judge Bernadette Owens said she will adjourn the matter to April 23, 2024 to give Mr Stokes an opportunity to save €350 for the court poor box.