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"Peaceful protestor" charged with offence that carries potential life sentence, defence tell Jobstown jury

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, Kieran Mahon, Michael Murphy, Frank Donaghy, Michael Banks, and Scott Masterson all pleaded not guilty to the charges. Defence counsel for Frank Donaghy argued that his client was a peaceful protestor who merely held a banner, contending that the charge of false imprisonment, which carries a potential life sentence, was unfair and disproportionate. Counsel for Scott Masterson similarly argued that his client's presence and leading of non-abusive chants did not constitute false imprisonment, highlighting that the women were able to exit the vehicle. The defence characterised the incident as a spontaneous political protest rather than a criminal conspiracy. The matter is currently at the sentencing stage, with the trial continuing before the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "Peaceful protestor" charged with offence that carries potential life sentence, defence tell Jobstown jury. 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; an offence that could potentially result in a life sentence. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• November 15, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2017-06-22 Publication

Why: He just joined the protest because he felt he was standing up for himself, his wife, his child and the community and the reward he gets is to indict him with a crime which is up there with rape, murder and robbery". CNI source report

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Read the original CNI report