Longford attack accused are set for Circuit Court
The Deanscurragh attack accused appeared in Longford District Court last week
Three men and a woman charged in connection with an incident of violent disorder widely shared on social media will have the case against them heard in Longford Circuit Court.
David Joyce (29) of 5 Palace Crescent, Ardnacassa, John Keenan (31) of 37 Palace Crescent, Longford, Martin Keenan (34) 81 Ard Na Cassa Avenue Longford and Winnie Keenan (29) of 35 Palace Crescent, Ardnacassa, Longford were all served the book of evidence against them at Longford District Court.
In direct evidence to the court Sergeant Andy McGauran told Judge Bernadette Owens he served the book of evidence on each of the defendants on the morning of the court sitting.
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David Joyce, represented by Brid Mimnagh, faces two charges, John Keenan, represented by Fiona Baxter, faces three charges as does Martin Keenan, who is also represented by Ms Baxter, while Winnie Keenan's faces a single charge of violent disorder, and was represented by Ms Mimnagh.
Martin Keenan is charged with production of an article, a shovel, while committing violent disorder and assault at Deanscurragh, Longford at 9:30am on Thursday, October 10, 2024, John Keenan faces similar charges, while David Joyce is charged with violent disorder and assault.
Ms Keenan, the only one of the four defendants not in custody in respect of the matter, is charged with violent disorder and also had a number of summary charges dealt with at the court sitting.
In each of the cases Sergeant Enda Daly told Judge Owens the Director of Public Prosecution was seeking to have the matter sent forward to the next Longford Circuit Court sitting on July 15, 2025 for trial on indictment.
Judge Owens issued each of the defendants with an alibi warning, advising them they must notify the State within 14 days if they wished to rely on an alibi in the course of his trial.
The solicitors for all four defendants made applications for a senior and junior counsel for each of the accused, this was approved by the judge.
Judge Owens remanded the three male defendants in custody to appear back before a sitting of Longford Circuit Criminal Court on July 15, 2025.
Ms Keenan was remanded on bail on her own bond of €200 to abide by conditions previously set out.