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71-year-old told gardai he joined Jobstown protest after going for petrol

Summary

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard evidence in the ongoing trial of eight defendants, including Frank Donaghy, Paul Murphy, Kieran Mahon, Michael Murphy, Ken Purcell, Michael Banks, and Scott Masterson. All have pleaded not guilty to the alleged false imprisonment of Joan Burton and her adviser Karen O'Connell by restricting their personal liberty without consent at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, Tallaght, on November 15, 2014. The matter is currently at the sentence stage, though the trial continues before Judge Melanie Greally and a jury. Garda Chris Moylan testified that he attended Mr. Donaghy's home on February 12, 2015, to arrest him. Mr. Donaghy, who has no previous convictions, told gardaí he joined the protest while getting petrol and participated in a sit-down behind Ms. Burton's car. He described the atmosphere as peaceful until gardaí attempted to remove individuals from the vehicle. Defence counsel Padraig Dwyer SC highlighted that Mr. Donaghy was frank during questioning and that it was never suggested he directly stopped the victims from leaving. The prosecution, led by Sean Gillane SC, noted the maximum penalty for the offence is life imprisonment. The court heard that Mr. Donaghy questioned how protesting could constitute false imprisonment. The trial continues.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 71-year-old told gardai he joined Jobstown protest after going for petrol. 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: sentence

When:

• November 15, 2014 Incident
• February 12, 2015 Incident
• 2017-05-31 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

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Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report