FIVE MEN became involved in a “violent row” after a car-ramming incident at a busy city roundabout, a court has heard.
The five – Patrick Burke (28), and Martin Burke (24), both of Farran Park, Waterford; Patrick Quilligan (38), Williamstown Way, Waterford; John Stokes (48), Shandon halting site, Dungarvan and William Burke (25), The Rock, Bilberry, Waterford – are all accused of committing violent disorder at Kingsmeadow, Cork Road, Waterford, on September 9th 2008.
They have pleaded not guilty to the charges and a trial got under way yesterday at Waterford Circuit Court.
Patrick Burke also denies assault, criminal damage and illegal possession of a Stanley knife; Martin Burke denies assault and possession of a knife; Mr Quilligan denies assault and illegal possession of a hatchet and Mr Stokes denies illegal possession of a “long implement” which could have been used as a weapon.
Opening the case, Noel Whelan, prosecuting, said the incidents happened at about 12.15pm at the roundabout close to the Waterford Regional Sports Centre.
Two alleged injured parties – John Connors and Patrick Stokes – were travelling in a blue Toyota car when they passed members of the Burke family going in the opposite direction, in a blue Hiace van and a grey Toyota Corolla.
The Burke cars “turned around and followed John Connors and Patrick Stokes”, Mr Whelan said.
When they got to the roundabout, the blue Toyota was “rammed strongly” by the grey Toyota. After that, the occupants of the grey Toyota and the blue Hiace got out and “engaged in a violent attack” on Mr Connors and Mr Stokes.
Another man, not on trial, had pleaded guilty to involvement and will be sentenced later.
The trial resumes today.