Longford District Court: Defendant faces allegation of assault on cousin

A defendant making compensation payments while on bail in respect of a number of thefts came before Longford District Court on additional charges.
Court presenter Sergeant Mark Mahon, said two additional charges were being entered against the defendant Francis Gavin (36) at the court sitting.

The two charges against Mr Gavin, of 3 Canal Bank, Longford were added to 12 other charges. He is now charged with an assault on Patrick Stokes on May 26, 2023 at Main Street Longford and failing to keep a court appointment on June 13, 2023 at Longford District Court.

The defendant also faces 12 theft charges in respect of robberies between November 2019 and February 2022. Those charges are that the defendant stole property including a high end hair dryer (€240), four sets of duvet covers valued at €299.96, Lego (€139.99, €99.99 and €169.99), face cream worth €230, perfumes costing €179 from businesses in Longford and Mullingar.
Before Judge Bernadette Owens accepted jurisdiction over the latest charges she asked for details of the alleged offence. Sergeant Mark Mahon said it's alleged the defendant committed an unprovoked assault outside a barber shop. The alleged injured party, Patrick Stokes, entered Longford Garda Station and collapsed shouting 'help'.

There was a laceration to the side of his head and he was bleeding heavily. Mr Stokes alleged he was assaulted by his second cousin, Mr Gavin, with a brush.

The injured man went to Mullingar General Hospital when he was treated for his injuries and discharged.
Solicitor Frank Gearty said his client has not come to Garda attention and continues to save compensation, having €150 in court and will have more when the matter returns before the court. Mr Gearty said the missed court date was around the time of a family bereavement.

Judge Owens said although it appeared the injuries were “not particularly serious” she would need to see a medical report before finalising the issue of jurisdiction. The judge remanded the defendant on continuing bail to May 14 next to allow the prosecution an opportunity to present a medical report on the alleged injured party.