Frank Donaghy denies false imprisonment charge in Jobstown trial

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Frank Donaghy pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The proceedings were reported on 22 June 2017.

Donaghy was one of six men accused of falsely imprisoning former Tánaiste Joan Burton and her adviser Karen O’Connell by restricting their personal liberty without consent at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, Tallaght, on 15 November 2014.

In closing arguments, defence counsel Padraig Dwyer SC said Donaghy joined the protest after noticing the gathering while going for petrol. He argued that holding a banner did not constitute false imprisonment and that Donaghy was entitled, within reason, to sit by a politician’s car and slow its progress.

The trial was continuing before Judge Melanie Greally.