A TRAVELLER awaiting sentence for kidnapping and raping a prostitute in the Wicklow Mountains during December 1994 was yesterday convicted of ramming a Garda patrol car several months previously.
The defendant told the jury he was an "Irish tinker" and was proud of his heritage. He claimed he was "brutalised" in Cork Prison while on remand there.
Thomas Gerard Stokes (36), married but separated, of Piercetown, Newbridge, Co Kildare, was remanded in custody for sentence this morning at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after, a jury convicted him of causing criminal damage to a Garda vehicle near Monasterevin, Co Kildare, on May 4th, 1994.
The jury took almost 1 1/2 hours to return a unanimous verdict after hearing that Stokes rammed the Garda car with a white vane that he had been driving when stopped for illegal overtaking. Judge Patrick Smith directed the jury to return a verdict of not guilty on a second charge of handling stolen tools and other items, on the same date.
Garda John Nolan of Portlaoise said the van was found burnt out in a bog 15-20 minutes after his car was rammed. He discovered a suitcase nearby which contained two photographs of Stokes, whom he recognised as the van driver. An extensive search of the area failed to locate the driver.
In evidence to his counsel, Mr Garnett Orange, Stokes denied being the driver of the van.
After that reply Mr Orange rested his case but Stokes continued to address the jury from the witness box. He claimed the two photographs had been taken in Bray in June 12, a month later than the van incident. He alleged they came into Garda possession subsequently.
He was arrested in Cork on January 1st, 1995, and later he had to be pointed out to Garda Nolan, who purported to identify him, he said.
Stokes was convicted on October, 5th last of kidnapping and raping a woman on December 29th-30th, 1994, after a 16 day trial in the Central Criminal Court. He is in custody for sentence on this matter on December 9th next.
During yesterday's trial, Garda Nolan said he was on traffic duty, on May 4th, 1994, in an unmarked patrol car with a camera mounted on it. He told Mr Fergal Foley, prosecuting, that at about 9.10 am. he spotted a white van and followed it for three to four miles.
The driver did not have a driving licence, insurance document or other motor identification documents and gave his name as a "John Moorehouse, of 7 Lavery Park, Ballyfermot, Dublin". This was found to be false.
Garda Nolan said the van, was loaded with tools and other items, and the driver claimed he bought and sold them at marts. He asked the driver to follow him to Monasterevin Garda station.
After a short time the Van turned down a side road and he stopped it again. When he began to step out of the patrol car he saw the van's reverse lights come on and he was rammed. The camera struck him and while he was dazed the van drove off.