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Garda tells Jobstown trial she felt she was going to be "crushed" by protestors
Summary
The trial of seven men, including Solidarity TD Paul Murphy, South Dublin Councillors Kieran Mahon and Michael Murphy, and four others, continues before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. All defendants deny charges of falsely imprisoning former Tánaiste Joan Burton and her aide Karen O'Connell by restricting their liberty during a protest in Jobstown, Tallaght, on November 15, 2014. Garda Marion Power testified that she felt she was going to be "crushed" by the crowd while shielding Ms. Burton, reporting that protesters banged on vehicles, pushed against them, and shouted abuse. Superintendent Daniel Flavin stated he transferred the women to a jeep for safety due to the hostile environment. He noted that Mr. Murphy addressed the crowd via loudhailer, asking if they would keep the women there all night, and later suggested removing the Public Order Unit would allow the jeep to move. Sergeant Brian Boland of the Public Order Unit explained that removing protesters was difficult due to their numbers and that their deployment is a last resort. The trial is ongoing before Judge Melanie Greally and a jury.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Garda tells Jobstown trial she felt she was going to be "crushed" by protestors. Charges or matters: falsely imprisoning. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- November 15, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2017-05-18 Publication
Why: He said matters became more difficult after the TD asked the crowd would they "keep her there all night" because the response was "in effect, to keep her here". CNI source report
Case subjects
Places mentioned
- Fortunestown Road
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Kingswood Heights
- Tallaght
- Whitechurch
- Whitechurch Way
- Dublin
- Carrigmore Drive
Topics
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