Courts / Dublin / Report

Judge dismisses intimidating begging charge

Date
2025-12-12

Stage
Charge Or Pretrial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

A judge has dismissed a charge of intimidation and begging against Nutu Rostas (27), who was accused of disturbing churchgoers during a Christmas service in south Dublin. The case was heard in Dún Laoghaire District Court, where Mr Rostas appeared charged with begging and obstructing pedestrians at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour on 29 December, 2024. Garda witnesses testified that they arrived at the scene shortly after 11am and observed Mr Rostas near the church entrance with a cup, shouting something that could not be clearly heard. Some patrons reportedly avoided him as they entered the church. However, under cross-examination, the garda admitted he could not hear exactly what was said and acknowledged that people were able to move around Mr Rostas. He also stated that his perception of the accused's aggression was based on distant observations. Judge Anne Watkin ruled that the evidence did not meet the required standard to prove intimidation or obstruction, leading to the dismissal of the charge.