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TD told RTE reporter that Joan Burton was detained as part of a "peaceful protest", Jobstown trial hears

Summary

The trial of Paul Murphy TD and six other men, including Dublin Councillors Michael Murphy and Kieran Mahon, is ongoing at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The defendants have pleaded not guilty to the alleged false imprisonment of former Tánaiste Joan Burton and her advisor Karen O'Connell on November 15, 2014, at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, Tallaght. On day 11, the jury reviewed RTÉ footage showing Murphy telling a reporter that the detention was part of a "peaceful protest." Murphy stated the event was largely spontaneous and that protesters had the right to be angry. He claimed the protest ended peacefully when gardaí moved Burton to a patrol car, alleging some gardaí were aggressive. Footage also captured Murphy using a loud-hailer to ask if protesters would let Burton go. Garda Inspector Derek Maguire testified that the footage accurately reflected his memory, noting Murphy held a democratic vote on whether to detain Burton for the night. The matter was adjourned and is set to continue before Judge Melanie Greally and a jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: TD told RTE reporter that Joan Burton was detained as part of a "peaceful protest", Jobstown trial hears. Charges or matters: falsely imprisoning Ms Burton and her advisor Karen O'Connell by restricting their personal liberty without their consent at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, Tallaght on November 15, 2014. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• November 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• November 15, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2017-05-12 Publication

Why: The TD said there had been an agreement made to slow march Ms Burton out of Tallaght, and that it had been a Garda decision to move her to a patrol car in order to leave the area. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

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Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report