Longford defendant has cases adjourned due to ‘real risk of an unfair Circuit Court trial’

A Longford man facing a possible trial in the Circuit Court had two offences in the District Court put back until November 26.

Judge Owens acceded to his barrister’s request that she believed the adverse publicity from the District Court cases could prejudice a possible circuit court trial.

The defendant has a case due for mention in the Circuit Court on July 9.

Sean Stakelum, with an address at 2A Park Road, Longford, is facing two charges in the District Court.

On March 15, 2023, he was found to be intoxicated in public. On the same date, Mr Stakelum was found to be threatening and abusive, with intent to breach the peace, under the Public Order Act, on Earl St. Longford.

Addressing the court, the defendant’s barrister, Catherine McCormack, stated that in her belief, “there was a real risk of an unfair trial for my client.”

She sought an application for an adjournment.

“Potential jurors are exposed to risk from the District Court proceedings,” she stated.

“I noted the submissions made by Ms McCormack. I think that there is the possibility of prejudice in the Circuit Court case due to publicity and as a result I will remand the cases to November,” Judge Owens stated.y

Also read: Increased garda presence in Longford town aims to strengthen law enforcement