Thursday 29 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 9463Endangerment, criminal damage, production of a slash hook and giving false information to GSOC · Co. Longford

Edward 'Blondie' Stokes jailed over 2018 Longford dog attack on garda sergeant

In 2018 in Longford, Edward 'Blondie' Stokes, a 35-year-old man, allowed his Belgian Shepherd dog to attack garda sergeant Tom Quinn, a man, after a dispute over a van left for engine work, and a garda firearm was discharged. Edward Stokes, 35, and his wife Sharon Stokes, 38, a woman, both formerly of Ferriskill, Granard, entered guilty pleas at Longford Circuit Court shortly before their trial was due to begin, with Edward Stokes's pleas dated 3 December 2018. Edward Stokes was jailed for 15 months and Sharon Stokes was given 150 hours of community service, as reported on 21 May 2026. The latest development is that sentencing, reported by the Longford Leader on 21 May 2026.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced21 May
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Edward Stokes allowed his Belgian Shepherd dog to attack garda sergeant Tom Quinn.
Where
The incident took place in County Longford, and the defendants were formerly of Ferriskill, Granard.
When
The incident took place in 2018 and Edward Stokes entered his guilty pleas on 3 December 2018.
Cause
The incident followed a dispute over a van that had been left for engine work, which the customer wanted back.
Weapon
  • Edward Stokes had a slash hook, which he brandished in a threatening manner towards the victim.
  • The garda sergeant fired a shot into the dog's chest, and an official Garda firearm was discharged.
Investigation
Garda sergeant Tom Quinn was cleared of any wrongdoing following a probe.
Charges
  • Edward Stokes pleaded guilty to endangerment, criminal damage, production of a slash hook and giving false information to GSOC.
  • Sharon Stokes admitted producing a slash hook and giving false information to GSOC.
In court
Both defendants pleaded guilty at Longford Circuit Court shortly before their trial was due to begin.
Sentence
  • Edward Stokes was jailed for 15 months.
  • Sharon Stokes was given 150 hours of community service.
Other details
  • Edward Stokes had 27 previous convictions.
  • Tom Quinn's promotion to inspector was delayed by seven and a half months after false statements and accusations were made to GSOC.
  • The 2018 incident made national headlines after a video was shared on social media.
14 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatEdward Stokes allowed his Belgian Shepherd dog to attack a garda sergeant. (longfordleader.ie)
  • whenEdward Stokes entered his guilty pleas on 3 December 2018. (longfordleader.ie)
  • causeThe incident followed a dispute over a van that had been left for engine work, which the customer wanted back. (longfordleader.ie)
  • weaponStokes had a slash hook that was brandished in a threatening manner towards the victim. (longfordleader.ie)
  • weaponThe garda sergeant fired a shot into the dog's chest. (longfordleader.ie)
  • investigationGarda sergeant Tom Quinn was cleared of any wrongdoing following a probe. (longfordleader.ie)
  • chargeEdward Stokes pleaded guilty to endangerment, criminal damage, production of a slash hook and giving false information to GSOC. (longfordleader.ie)
  • chargeSharon Stokes admitted producing a slash hook and giving false information to GSOC. (longfordleader.ie)
  • courtBoth defendants pleaded guilty at Longford Circuit Court shortly before their trial was due to begin. (longfordleader.ie)
  • sentenceEdward Stokes was jailed for 15 months. (longfordleader.ie)
  • sentenceSharon Stokes was given 150 hours of community service. (longfordleader.ie)
  • otherEdward Stokes had 27 previous convictions. (longfordleader.ie)
  • otherTom Quinn's promotion to inspector was delayed by seven and a half months after false statements and accusations to GSOC. (longfordleader.ie)
  • otherThe 2018 incident made national headlines after a video was shared on social media. (longfordleader.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 21 May2026
    Sentencedlongfordleader.ie, first report
    Edward 'Blondie' Stokes jailed for frightening Longford dog attack on garda sergeant

    Sentencing report for the 2018 Longford incident. The article covers the guilty pleas, the sentences and the victim impact statements. It does not match any existing case in the list.

    convicted, Edward 'Blondie' Stokes, 35, male, named, irish (judged from name)Edward 'Blondie' Stokesconvicted, Sharon Stokes, 38, female, named, irish (judged from name)Sharon Stokesvictim, Tom Quinn, male, irish (judged from name)Tom Quinnvictim, male