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DPP concerned that process of trial by jury could be interfered with in upcoming water charge protesters trial

Summary

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has raised concerns that the constitutional process of trial by jury may be interfered with in the upcoming trial of water charge protesters. Anti-Austerity Alliance TD Paul Murphy (33), Dublin Councillor Kieran Mahon (39), Anti Austerity Alliance Councillor Michael Murphy (53), and four other men are due to stand trial next month on charges related to the alleged false imprisonment of then Tánaiste Joan Burton three years ago. The trial was discussed in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where Sean Gillane SC, prosecuting, highlighted concerns regarding literature and a campaign surrounding the trial, which could potentially interfere with the jury process. The court heard that an event being billed as a national event was to be held in the capital this weekend, with activists and journalists expected to attend. Various lawyers for the defendants requested clarification from the DPP regarding any orders sought from the court. The matter was listed for further hearing tomorrow afternoon. The accused include Frank Donaghy (71), Ken Purcell (50), Michael Banks (46), and Scott Masterson (34), each facing charges arising from a water protest in Jobstown on November 15th, 2014. A second trial of six people accused of false imprisonment is scheduled for October 2, 2017, with a pre-trial date set for June 8, 2017. The final trial of five people accused of violent disorder is set for April 9, 2018, with a pre-trial date set for December 13, 2017.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: DPP concerned that process of trial by jury could be interfered with in upcoming water charge protesters trial. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• November 15th, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• October 2, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
• June 8, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
• April 9, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
• December 13, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2017-03-30 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report