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Garda tells trial that Jobstown accused called him a "woman beater, a disgrace, a uniformed scumbag and a coward"

Summary

The trial of seven men accused of falsely imprisoning former Tánaiste Joan Burton and her adviser Karen O'Connell on November 15, 2014, continued at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The defendants, Paul Murphy, Kieran Mahon, Michael Murphy, Frank Donaghy, Ken Purcell, Michael Banks, and Scott Masterson, have all pleaded not guilty to the charges. On day 22, Garda Jonathan Ryan testified that he arrived at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, to find the women in a car surrounded by protesters. He described the scene as extremely hostile, noting that a cordon formed to protect the women dissolved quickly, leaving them swarmed by the crowd. Garda Ryan stated that protesters deliberately blocked a Garda jeep, creating dangerous bottlenecks. He recounted helping a woman who fell over, after which defendant Michael Banks allegedly called him a "woman beater, a disgrace, a uniformed scumbag and a coward." Garda Ryan also testified that Paul Murphy held a vote among protesters regarding Ms Burton's movement, which he described as unanimous to keep her in the area, with Murphy appearing pleased. Under cross-examination, defence counsel challenged the witness's recollection, citing video footage showing Murphy voting to move the car. The trial continues before Judge Melanie Greally and a jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Garda tells trial that Jobstown accused called him a "woman beater, a disgrace, a uniformed scumbag and a coward". Charges or matters: falsely imprisoning Ms Burton and her adviser 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 15, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2017-05-29 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report