Man accused of assaults causing harm to three Gardai appears in Athlone court

A 32-year-old man has appeared in court in Athlone after being charged in connection with an alleged shooting incident in which three Gardai were injured at his home in Longford yesterday (Tuesday).

Darren Dowler of 70 Abhainn Glas, Edgeworthstown, was brought before Judge Bernadette Owens, having been charged with assaults causing harm to three members of An Garda Siochana.

It's alleged that he assaulted Garda Jamie Rosney, Sergeant James Rowan and Inspector David Jordan, causing them harm, at the Abhainn Glas address on Tuesday morning.

It's alleged that the officers sustained their injuries after arriving at Mr Dowler's home at 6.15am.

An application for bail on behalf of the defendant, who was accompanied in court by his wife and mother-in-law, was made by his solicitor, John Quinn.

Gardai objected to bail, resulting in a 20-minute contested bail hearing.

After adjourning briefly to consider her decision, Judge Bernadette Owens said she would remand Mr Dowler in custody with consent to bail, provided certain conditions were met.

The bail requirements she imposed included a €5,000 independent surety, to be approved by the court, which must include a cash lodgement of €2,500.

Other conditions should the defendant take up his bail include that he must surrender his passport, maintain a 10pm to 7am curfew, and sign on three times a week at Longford Garda Station.

Mr Dowler was remanded in custody, with consent to bail, to appear before Longford District Court on February 27 next. Legal aid on his behalf was granted to his solicitor, Mr Quinn.