'Stay off social media'; Man charged in connection with Blarney filling station attack gets bail restriction

AN investigation into a violent incident in Blarney filling station yesterday morning resulted in a man being arrested and brought before Cork District Court this afternoon.

Detective Garda Maurice Leahy said the arrest related to their investigation of an ongoing feud between members of the Stokes family against members of a family of McCarthy’s and a Faulkner family.

22-year-old Paddy Stokes of 12 St Anthony’s Park, Hollyhill, Cork, was arrested at his home today and charged with an obstruction charge related to that date, April 17, and a threatening charge related to Blarney filling station on April 16.

There was no objection to the accused being remanded on bail until Monday, April 27. However, strict conditions were required.

One of those conditions required him to stay off social media.

Another condition requires him to have “no contact with opposing families, McCarthy’s and Faulkner’s.” 

Other conditions require him to comply with the 2km Covid-19 restriction and present each Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Gurranabraher garda station, without being required to sign at the station.

Solicitor, Joseph Cuddigan asked if the defendant could use Facebook to contact his grandmother in Mallow. 

Judge Olann Kelleher said he could make phone calls but not use social media and if did not agree to that condition he could be remanded in custody. 

Mr Cuddigan said Stokes agreed with the conditions.

Sergeant John Kelleher said the gardaí were being reasonable with the conditions.

Mr Cuddigan was appointed to represent Stokes on free legal aid.

Gardaí in Cork carried out a follow-up investigation following a serious assault on Thursday