Longford man escapes jail after pleading guilty to violent disorder
A man has been given a suspended prison sentence for his involvement in a violent disorder incident that took place in November of 2017.
Dylan Stokes (25), Lisnanagh, Edgeworthstown, Co Longford, was previously deemed unfit to stand trial but the case was reentered last week at a sitting of Longford Circuit Court, where Mr Stokes pleaded guilty to violent disorder.
The court heard how, on November 26, 2017, Gardaí received a call regarding a number of men fighting.
When they arrived at the scene on Park Road, Gardaí observed two vehicles with extensive damage, with one of the three complainants alleging he had been assaulted.
Garda John Hanley gave evidence that Mr Stokes and his co-accused, Kevin Stokes Senior and Kevin Stokes Junior, had pulled up beside the vehicle of the injured parties, gotten out and caused damage to the car.
Kevin Stokes Senior previously pleaded guilty to violent disorder and received a one-year prison sentence, suspended for a period of five years.
Kevin Stokes Junior pleaded guilty to violent disorder and the production of a stick and received a prison sentence of five years, which was suspended for ten years.
Judge Kenneth Connolly accepted that the offence was one of "considerable violence" but added that Mr Stokes was "probably quite easily led" by his father and brother.
He sentenced Mr Stokes to 12 months in prison, which he suspended for a period of two years.