Two men have been sentenced to two and a half years in prison in connection with attacks on two elderly men in Westmeath last year.

Declan Stephens, of Head Cresent in Newry, Co Down, and Cian Quinn, of Ashdale, Clonbrusk, Athlone appeared at a court sitting in Longford today.

74-year-old Eamon Greene received injuries during a raid on his shop in Arcadia in Athlone on August 4th 2015.

77-year-old taxi driver Seamus Hogan was stabbed multiple times on his face and hands, after he picked up two passengers at the taxi-rank on Dublin Gate Street in the town on the same day.

Mr Hogan spoke to Shannonside FM outside the court: “I had a horrifying experience but I’m glad that it’s all over and done with, it could be worse.

“The judge got no satisfaction from what he had to do, it’s the best he could do.”