Longford District Court: Garda assault charge adjourned for victim impact statement

A defendant serving a custodial sentence will have charges connected with an assault on a Garda concluded in March.

Kevin Stokes (31) of Lisanagh, Edgworthstown was charged with possession of a firearm and an assault on Garda Brian Carroll on April 24, 2020 at Lisnanagh, Edgewothtown.

Solicitor Brid Mimnagh said her client had received a very positive probation report and also a positive report from the governor of Loughan house prison.

Ms Mimnagh commended her client for the number of courses he has undertaken while in custody, saying: “He has more certificates than we all have put together.”

Judge Bernadette Owens said the matter could only be progressed if there was a victim impact statement available to the court. The judge was told the the defendant is due to be released from custody in November.

Adjourning the matter to March 5 for the victim impact statement Judge Owens said matters would be finalised on that date. Ms Mimnagh said there was also a medical report relation relating to Mr Stokes' children which would be relevant to the court's decision.