Three Athlone men returned for trial over 'incident of extreme violence'
Three Athlone man who were extradited earlier this year by the High Court have been returned for trial in Northern Ireland over what was described as an incident involving “extreme violence, multiple offenders, bladed weapons and serious injuries in a very protracted family feud”.
Appearing by video-link in Enniskillen Magistrates Court from custody for a committal hearing were Alan Joyce (29) and Johnny Joyce (33) from Blackberry Lane, Athlone, along with Bernard Joyce (55) from Woodlands, Athlone, who are jointly charged with unlawfully and maliciously wounding a woman, attempted to cause grievous bodily harm to a second woman and a man, possessing offensives weapons namely machetes and entering a property with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm.
Offending is alleged to have occurred on November 16, 2019, at Trasna Way, Lisnaskea, Fermanagh.
All three spoke only to confirm their identities and that they understood the charges against them.
They declined to call witnesses or give evidence on their own behalf at this stage.
District Judge Barney McElhome ordered them to appear for arraignment at Dungannon Crown Court on November 3.
The matter then moved to bail applications which a defence barrister explained was suggested at an address in College Square, Belfast.
This was opposed by a detective constable who cited concerns of reoffending, witness interference and failing to attend court.
He explained the men knew police wanted to interview them and despite repeated contact through their solicitor, they insisted they would only provide voluntary statements to Gardai but would not travel to Northern Ireland for interview.
European Arrest Warrants were issued and following extradition proceedings they were handed over to PSNI last month.
The detective also said that a video had been posted online prior to the attack showing Bernard and Johnny Joyce brandishing machetes and making threats to kill.
One alleged victim has reported she was contacted following the three being arrested and “pressured to make a video retracting her evidence”.
She also heard third-hand that Joyce family members are offering money to have her and the other alleged victim withdraw their statements.
The detective stressed, “The incident involved extreme violence, multiple offenders, bladed weapons and serious injuries in a very protracted family feud.”
In terms of the proposed address the detective advised, “There are serious and current concerns around drugs supply and exploitation of vulnerable women in that particular area. It has been associated with high profile antisocial behaviour. Releasing them to this address could exacerbate community tensions and further undermine public confidence.”
He added, “It is believed the landlord of the address for proposed release is involved in antisocial behaviour.”
A defence barrister enquired why it took nearly six years to get the European Arrest Warrant in 2025 which wasn’t executed until last month.
The detective replied: “The file was with the PPS for some time and there were continuing attempts for the defendants to make themselves available.”
The defence told the court the men were “afraid” to return for interview in case of reprisal attacks, which was why they offered to speak with Gardai.
District Judge Barney McElhome rejected the suggested bail address as “entirely unsuitable” however he decided the men could be released on very strict terms.
He ordered cash sureties in the sum of £8000 for each accused and banned all contact by any means with the alleged victims. They are to reside at an address approved by police and no other, will be electronically tagged and excluded from entering Clogher or Lisnaskea.
There is also a ban on possessing any bladed or imitation weapons and they must not engage in any social media of any sort.