Saturday 31 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. 17967Assault; failing to keep a court appointment; theft · Co. Longford · 26 May 2023

Francis Gavin faces additional assault charge at Longford District Court

Francis Gavin (36) of Longford was charged with assaulting Patrick Stokes, his second cousin, on Main Street, Longford, on 26 May 2023. Stokes alleges Gavin hit him with a brush outside a barber shop, and Stokes was treated at Mullingar General Hospital for a head laceration. Gavin was also charged with failing to keep a court appointment on 13 June 2023 and faces 12 theft charges covering alleged offences between November 2019 and February 2022. On 10 March 2024, Judge Bernadette Owens accepted jurisdiction over the two latest charges, but said she needed a medical report before finalising it, and she remanded Gavin on continuing bail to 14 May so the report could be presented.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court8 Mar
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Francis Gavin (36) of Longford is charged with assaulting Patrick Stokes, his second cousin.
When
The alleged assault took place on 26 May 2023.
Where
The alleged assault took place on Main Street, Longford, outside a barber shop.
Cause
Stokes alleges the assault was unprovoked.
Weapon
Stokes alleges Gavin assaulted him with a brush.
Other details
  • Stokes entered Longford Garda Station and collapsed, shouting 'help'.
  • Stokes had a laceration to the side of his head and was bleeding heavily, and he was treated at Mullingar General Hospital and discharged.
  • Gavin's solicitor said the missed court date was around the time of a family bereavement.
Charges
  • Gavin is also charged with failing to keep a court appointment at Longford District Court on 13 June 2023.
  • Gavin faces 12 theft charges, which the sources describe as thefts in one report and as robberies in another, between November 2019 and February 2022.
In court
  • Two additional charges were entered against Gavin at a Longford District Court sitting reported on 10 March 2024.
  • Judge Bernadette Owens accepted jurisdiction over the latest charges after asking for details of the alleged offence.
  • The judge said she needed a medical report before finalising the issue of jurisdiction, and that the injuries appeared not particularly serious.
  • The judge remanded Gavin on continuing bail to 14 May so the prosecution could present a medical report on the alleged injured party.
13 statements extracted from the articles
  • weaponStokes alleged he was assaulted by his second cousin, Gavin, with a brush. (longfordleader.ie)
  • chargeGavin is charged with an assault on Patrick Stokes on 26 May 2023 at Main Street, Longford. (longfordleader.ie)
  • chargeGavin is also charged with failing to keep a court appointment on 13 June 2023 at Longford District Court. (longfordleader.ie)
  • chargeGavin faces 12 theft charges relating to robberies between November 2019 and February 2022. (longfordleader.ie)
  • courtTwo additional charges were entered against Gavin at the court sitting. (longfordleader.ie)
  • courtJudge Bernadette Owens accepted jurisdiction over the latest charges after asking for details of the alleged offence. (longfordleader.ie)
  • courtThe judge said she would need a medical report before finalising the issue of jurisdiction, although the injuries appeared not particularly serious. (longfordleader.ie)
  • courtThe judge remanded Gavin on continuing bail to 14 May so the prosecution could present a medical report on the alleged injured party. (longfordleader.ie)
  • otherThe alleged assault was unprovoked and took place outside a barber shop. (longfordleader.ie)
  • otherStokes entered Longford Garda Station and collapsed, shouting 'help'. (longfordleader.ie)
  • otherStokes had a laceration to the side of his head and was bleeding heavily. (longfordleader.ie)
  • otherStokes was treated at Mullingar General Hospital and discharged. (longfordleader.ie)
  • otherGavin's solicitor said the missed court date was around the time of a family bereavement. (longfordleader.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 8 Mar2024
    In courtlongfordleader.ie, first report
    Longford District Court: Defendant faces allegation of assault on cousin

    Reports the two additional charges against Francis Gavin, the assault on Patrick Stokes, the missed court appointment, the 12 theft charges, and the remand to 14 May.

    accused, Francis Gavin, 36, male, named, irish (judged from name)Francis Gavinvictim, Patrick Stokes, male, irish (judged from name)Patrick Stokes