Courts / Dublin / Report

Water charge protestors tell court they will not speak about trial at protest rally

Date
2017-03-31
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

Seven water charge protesters, including Paul Murphy TD, Kieran Mahon, Michael Murphy, Michael Banks, Frank Donaghy, Ken Purcell, and Scott Masterson, appeared before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court regarding their upcoming trial. The defendants are accused of falsely imprisoning then Tánaiste Joan Burton and Karen O'Connell during a protest in Jobstown on November 15, 2014. The case was listed after the Director of Public Prosecutions raised concerns about a campaign and a rally scheduled for the weekend. Counsel for the accused informed the court that their clients would undertake not to speak about the trial at the rally. Judge Melanie Greally noted relief at this responsible position. The trial is scheduled to begin on April 24, with a jury to be selected. The court discussed the possibility of an enlarged jury panel if the trial exceeds the scheduled six weeks. The defendants face charges of false imprisonment, and the matter is currently at the pre-trial stage ahead of the scheduled hearing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Water charge protestors tell court they will not speak about trial at protest rally. Charges or matters: falsely imprisoning Ms Burton and Karen O'Connell. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Case subjects

Kieran Mahon

Defendant

Charges: falsely imprisoning Ms Burton and Karen O'Connell (Alleged Or Contested)

Michael Banks

Accused

Charges: falsely imprisoning Ms Burton and Karen O'Connell (Alleged Or Contested)

Michael Murphy

Accused

Charges: falsely imprisoning Ms Burton and Karen O'Connell (Alleged Or Contested)

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Residence

Topics

Stage Sentence

Related court reports

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