‘risk of death’ | 

Man jailed for feud attack on cousin admits targeting him in separate attack

The court was told Stokes “intentionally or recklessly drove a vehicle” at Gerard Donohue on the date in question

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A Longford man is to be sentenced in July after pleading guilty to attempting to run over his first cousin two years after being jailed for leaving his victim with a broken leg in a separate feud related attack.

Eamon Stokes (23) of Gleann Riada, Strokestown Road, Longford tendered a guilty plea at a sitting of Longford Circuit Criminal Court on Friday to endangerment on October 31, 2021 at Longford Road, Granard, Co Longford.

Stokes, who is in custody in the Midlands Prison, stood with his hands clasped behind his back as details relating to the incident were relayed before Judge Kenneth Connolly.

The court was told Stokes “intentionally or recklessly drove a vehicle” at Gerard Donohue on the date in question that created a “substantial risk of death or serious harm”.

A second charge of threatening to kill or cause serious harm, the court heard, was to be taken into consideration as part of the arraignment while the State had decided not to pursue an attempt to cause serious harm charge.

The case comes barely two years since Stokes was jailed for three years after pleading guilty to assault causing harm and possession of a hatchet while a further six months was activated from an existing suspended sentence.

That came following a hit and run attack on Mr Donohue at Pound Street, Edgeworthstown, Co Longford on January 7, 2019 that left him victim with a broken leg.

Stokes was the front seat passenger in a Fiat Punto driven by co-accused Alan Whelan, 65 Gleann Riada, Strokestown Road, Longford, that ploughed into the Longford man moments after he left a nearby post office.

Whelan was sentenced to six years, with the final 18 months suspended for dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm.

Defence counsel Michael O’Higgins sought the preparation of a governor’s report to be readied for the court ahead of his client’s sentencing in July.

A victim impact statement, the court heard, would similarly be undertaken.

Stokes was remanded in custody to appear back for sentencing at a sitting of Longford Circuit Criminal Court on July 9.