SHEBEEN MAN GIVEN FOUR MONTHS

A Dundalk man who had previously admitted running an illegal drinking den in the back garden of his house has been given a jail sentence after he failed to turn up for Probation Service appointments.

Patrick Stokes, (47), 43 Oakland Park, admitted trading without a licence at Oakland Park on February 16 2016 and the case, which was heard by Judge Flann Brennan, had been adjourned for a Probation report.

Dundalk District Court had previously been told that when Gardai searched the breezeblock construction, they discovered ‘a full equipped bar’, with around 40 brands of spirits, including, the court had heard Captain Morgan’s, Bombay Sapphire and Jameson’s, along with a jukebox, disco lights, stools and chairs, three beer taps and kegs.

In addition, there were money bags, a price list and ‘debt lists’ showing who owed what for drinks. Stokes, the court was told, has 37 previous convictions, mostly for traffic offences.

Judge John Coughlan was told last week that Stokes had not turned up for probation appointments and solicitor Paula Tiernan said her client had moved to Waterford but ‘is eager to comply’ with the Probation Service. He had already entered a plea to the summons and the matter had been dealt with by Judge Brennan.

Ms Tiernan said Stokes is working as a builder at the moment and has 15 children. She said he was living in Waterford for a time but has returned to Dundalk.

Judge Coughlan imposed a four month sentence, but allowed Stokes to appeal if he lodged €500 cash. Shortly before the end of the court sitting, Ms Tiernan told the judge Stokes’s brother had arrived with the cash and the appeal was lodged, with the defendant released from custody.