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"Keystone Cops": garda decisions at Jobstown protest "unwise and inappropriate", defence say

Summary

The trial of six men accused of falsely imprisoning former Tánaiste Joan Burton and her adviser Karen O'Connell at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, Tallaght, on November 15, 2014, has heard closing arguments. Solidarity TD Paul Murphy, Councillor Michael Murphy, Councillor Kieran Mahon, Frank Donaghy, Michael Banks, and Scott Masterson have all pleaded not guilty to the charges. Defence counsel for Councillor Michael Murphy argued that gardaí decisions were "unwise and inappropriate," claiming police failed to negotiate early and that video footage disproved prosecution evidence. He stated his client attempted to de-escalate the situation. Counsel for Councillor Kieran Mahon described his client as a political activist who did not use force or threaten violence, arguing that fear caused by violent disorder from others, not his actions, prevented the women from leaving. He criticized the arrest of his client as an abuse of power. The prosecution countered that Councillor Murphy interfered with gardaí and acknowledged the women were not free, while Councillor Mahon returned to the scene and participated in the sit-down protest. The trial continues before Judge Melanie Greally.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "Keystone Cops": garda decisions at Jobstown protest "unwise and inappropriate", defence say. Charges or matters: falsely imprisoning Ms Burton and her adviser Karen O'Connell by restricting their personal liberty without consent at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, Tallaght on November 15, 2014; falsely imprisoning. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• November 15, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2017-06-21 Publication

Why: In his closing arguments to the jury Raymond Comyn SC, defending Councillor Michael Murphy, questioned why gardaí had failed to try engage and negotiate with the politicians and protestors earlier in order to diffuse matters, before the anger of the crowd increased rapidly. Defence account reported by CNI

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report