Stokes sent for trial over pub threat
Pub owner John Stokes, who is accused of threatening another Dublin publican to stop trading “within 24 hours”, was served with a book of evidence today and sent forward for trial.
The 54-year-old – father of Celtic striker Anthony Stokes – and owner of the Players Lounge pub in Fairview, appeared again at Dublin District Court today along with three co-defendants.
He and Alan Ryan (aged 30) of Grange Abbey Drive, Donaghmede, Dublin; Daryl Mulcahy (aged 20) with an address at Matt Talbot Court, Dublin; and Derek Nolan (aged 29) from Seacliff Road, in Baldoyle, Dublin, had originally been charged last May under Section 17 of the Public Order Act.
The charges allege they made a demand with menaces, on March 13 last, to Shane Simpson, the former leaseholder of the Castle public house, in Summerhill, in the north inner city Dublin, to cease trading and “close within 24 hours”.
An additional charge has also been brought against Mr Stokes for possessing two stun guns at his pub on April 8 last.
The DPP has directed “trial on indictment” and today Mr Stokes and his co-defendants appeared at Dublin District Court to be served with books of evidence.
Judge Hugh O'Donnell ordered that they were to be returned for trial at the present term of the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
All four, who have not yet indicated how they intend to the plead to the charges, remained silent during the hearing and were remanded on continuing bail.
They are subject to bail conditions stating that they cannot associate with each other and must stay away from Shane Simpson as well as his brother Stephen Simpson, and staff from the Castle pub.
