The four men are awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty.
Four men have been remanded on continuing bail pending pre-sentence probation reports after admitting to brandishing a large bat and pole during a violent street incident where a man was assaulted in Athlone.
Father of seven Bernie Ward, 43, Bernard McDonagh, 29, David Ward, 26, and 19-year-old Charlie McDonagh, all of Blackberry Lane, Athlone, Co Westmeath, had signed guilty pleas to various connected charges in the District Court linked to the incident at Mardyke Street, in the midlands town, on February 2 this year.
They were sent forward for sentencing to the Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court today, with each man confirming their pleas when they appeared before Judge Kenneth Connolly.
All four are accused of engaging in violent disorder and production of weapons capable of inflicting serious injury. The indictment states Bernie Ward had “a large wooden pole” while the co-defendants were armed with a bat.
Charlie McDonagh, who has no prior convictions and Bernard McDonagh, who has a record for a single theft offence, also admitted assault causing harm to Joe Joyce at Mardyke Street during the same incident.
The court heard that Bernie Ward, a carer for a family member, had convictions which were more than 15 years old. Bernard McDonagh was now engaged in a travel mediation initiative, and documentation of his participation would be made available.
The four men sat silently for most of the hearing until they were called one by one to come forward and answer “yes” to affirm their guilty pleas.
Judge Connolly mandated a probation report for each man and asked that a victim impact statement be furnished to the court. Sentencing was adjourned until April 14 next.
Funeral For Former Midlands Minister Takes Place
Laois Woman Named Patient Champion
Laois TD Calls Out Government Over Long Awaited School Upgrades
Westmeath Artist Awarded €30k Residency
Offaly Boy Killed In Firebomb Attack To Be Laid To Rest Tomorrow
"The Light Will Always Outshine The Darkness" - Offaly Community In Mourning
Gardaí Appeal For Witnesses After Westmeath Crash Leaves Man In Serious Condition
Gardaí Release Footage Of Offaly Arson Attack
Post Mortems Completed After Fatal Arson Attack In Offaly
Emergency Services At Scene Of Westmeath Crash
A Merry Mix Of Christmas Cheer Across the Midlands
Government Infrastructure Taskforce Member Highlights Importance Of Scheme
Westmeath Town On Track To Become Ireland’s First Fully Green City By 2040
Athlone Mayor Welcomes Living City Scheme Timeline
Record Increase In Laois Home Planning Approvals In Third Quarter
ASTI Warns Teacher Shortages Threaten Education In Laois And Across Ireland
Calls Grow For Improved Public Transport In Laois Town
IFA President Pushes For Government Action On Mercosur Investigation
Benefits Of Government Infrastructure Plan Will Take Time - Midland Steel
Decision On Enoch Burke’s Dismissal Expected This Weekend