Courts / Dublin / Report

Judge warns over recording in court in case of protestors accused of falsely imprisoning Tanaiste

Summary

Judge Melanie Greally adjourned the matter to next October, when she will set dates for the trials of 19 defendants, including Anti-Austerity Alliance TD Paul Murphy and Alliance Councillor Michael Murphy, who are accused of falsely imprisoning former Tánaiste Joan Burton. The charges stem from a water charges protest in Jobstown in November 2014, where it is alleged violence broke out, delaying Ms Burton for approximately two hours. At the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, the Director of Public Prosecutions proposed dealing with the accused via three separate trials, a structure the judge previously ruled was necessary to avoid placing unrealistic demands on jurors. Defence counsel, including David Staunton BL and Peadar Ó Maolain BL, argued that their clients would be disadvantaged in the third trial because prosecution witnesses would have already been cross-examined twice, removing the element of surprise. Prosecuting counsel Tony McGillicuddy BL stated that scheduling the trials would inevitably disadvantage some parties. Before hearing submissions, Judge Greally warned that anyone recording proceedings on mobile phones could be removed from the courtroom and found in contempt of court. Several defendants, including Paul Murphy, were absent as their attendance had been previously excused due to work commitments. The court also noted related proceedings before the Children's Court. The matter was adjourned, not concluded.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Judge warns over recording in court in case of protestors accused of falsely imprisoning Tanaiste. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• November 15th, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2016-07-20 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report