Judge Mary Devins convicted and imposed a suspended sentence on a Cork woman who assaulted the owner of a filling station she had pulled into on her way home from Knock Shrine in August 2008. The court had heard the evidence in the case last November, but the judge held over her decision until January. However Kathleen Stokes, 4 Knocknaheeny Caravan Site, Hollyhill, Cork did not appear in court in January. She was brought to Ballyhaunis District Court this week on foot of a bench warrant issued on January 5 this year.
In November details of a brawl between pilgrims on their way home from Knock Shrine and the owners of a filling station were outlined to Judge Mary Devins. She heard evidence from both the prosecution and defence about the brawl, which broke out on the forecourt of Freeman’s filling station in Kilkelly as the pilgrims were returning from Knock. Kathleen Stokes was the only person to be prosecuted in relation to the incident. Stokes was charged with assaulting Anthony Freeman, the owner of the filling station.
Judge Mary Devins convicted and fined Stokes €300 for assault and sentenced her to three months in prison suspended for a year. She also convicted and fined her €200 for failing to appear in court in January.
