Longford District Court Judge ‘making no promises’

A man who pleaded guilty to punching a garda when he was drunk will return before Longford District Court in June.

In a victim impact statement Garda Philip Weafer described how the attack by Patrick Stokes (33) of 6 Cartron Breac, Longford “undermined his faith in his ability to diffuse situations of conflict”.

The attack on the Garda happened at midday on December 22 last when members of Mr Stokes' family brought the defendant to the Garda station on Battery Road. Mr Stokes was “involved in a tussle” with a family member and abusive. As Garda Weafer attempted to intervene the defendant swung a punch at him. The officer dodged the blow, but was hit on the neck causing the skin to break.

Mr Stokes was restrained and put in a cell. The defendant has 33 previous convictions including assault, criminal damage, road traffic and violent disorder.

Judge Owens directed that the defendant return before court on June 20 next with €1,000 in compensation either to be given to Garda Weafer or a charity of the Garda choice. The judge said: “I am making no promises on this. If there is a whimper of a foot wrong I will be taking a certain course of action.”