Courts / Dublin / Report
Former Tanaiste tells trial she suffered nightmares after Jobstown protest
Summary
Former Tanaiste Joan Burton denied being relaxed in the car where she was allegedly falsely imprisoned during a water‑charges protest on 15 November 2014. She told the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that she suffered nightmares after the event and that she tried to keep her composure to avoid aggravating the protesters. Video clips shown to the jury showed her reading a newspaper article about Michael Collins and speaking to adviser Karen O'Connell about posting a message on social media about children "roaming" the area. Burton said she did not hear political slogans, only "peaceful protest" and "shame on you", and that she had been in a "fear‑filled atmosphere". She also described the protest slogans shouted outside the car, including "Enda Kenny in your ivory tower" and "Stick your water meters up your arse". The trial, presided over by Judge Melanie Greally, continues with a jury of seven men and five women.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Former Tanaiste tells trial she suffered nightmares after Jobstown protest. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- November 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- November 15, 2014 Other
- 2017-04-28 Publication
Why: Earlier she told the court she tried for a long time to avoid thinking about the events of that day because she had "some difficulty" with it. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Places mentioned
- Fortunestown Road
- Kingswood Heights
- Tallaght
- Whitechurch
- Whitechurch Way
- Dublin
- Carrigmore Drive
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request