Courts / Dublin / Report

TD Paul Murphy gets legal aid for false imprisonment trial

Date
2016-04-28

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Tallaght

County
Dublin

Summary

Anti-Austerity Alliance TD Paul Murphy was assigned legal aid by Judge Melanie Greally in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court regarding his upcoming trial on two charges of false imprisonment. The defendant, aged 32 and residing in Ballinteer, faces allegations of falsely imprisoning acting Tánaiste Joan Burton and Karen O'Connell during a water charges protest on November 15, 2014. The incident allegedly occurred at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, when Ms. Burton and her entourage were delayed for approximately two hours while attempting to travel from An Cosan Education Centre to St Thomas' Church. Mr. Murphy's solicitor submitted a statement of means, noting the trial could last four to six weeks. The State solicitor confirmed no garda objection based on the financial documentation, leaving the decision to the court. Judge Greally granted the application based on the average weekly income provided, though specific figures were not disclosed in open court. No trial date has yet been fixed. The matter was adjourned and will return to the court on May 3 for a mention. This procedural step does not constitute a final determination of the charges, which remain allegations pending trial.