Threat accused publican has bail condition lifted

A judge has lifted a bail condition restricting the movement of Dublin pub owner John Stokes who is accused of assault, possession of stun guns and threatening another publican to stop trading.

The 54-year-old – father of Celtic striker Anthony Stokes – and owner of the Players Lounge pub in Fairview, was unable to attend his case at Dublin District Court today.

However, a letter explaining his absence was furnished to Judge Bryan Smyth.

Mr Stokes and Alan Ryan (aged 30) of Grange Abbey Drive, Donaghmede, Dublin, Daryl Mulcahy (aged 19) with an address at Matt Talbot Court, Dublin and Derek Nolan (aged 29), from Seacliff Road, in Baldoyle, Dublin, had been charged in 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”.

The DPP had directed trial on indictment in relation to the four defendants who are to be tried in the Circuit Court.

However, Judge Smyth was told today that the book of evidence was yet completed and the State asked for an adjournment until January 6 next.

Det Garda Damien Murphy said:“All outstanding matters have been sent to the Chief State Solicitor's Office so it is hoped the book of evidence should be ready on the next date.”

Judge Smyth also noted that there was no objection to one bail condition being lifted which had banned Mr Stokes and his co-defendants, who were present for the case, from the Dublin 1 and Dublin 3 areas.

He also said he would extend time for the book of evidence to be completed and remanded them on continuing bail to appear again on January 6. The judge said defence solicitor Michael Finucane should notify Mr Stokes of his next date in court.

In September, additional charges were brought against Mr Stokes for possessing two stun guns at his pub on April 8 and assaulting Shane Simpson at the Players Lounge, on March 13 last.

The remaining bail terms state that the defendants cannot associate with each other, must stay away from Shane Simpson as well as his brother Stephen Simpson and staff from the Castle pub.