Three Wicklow people before court over alleged hate crime at well-known pub

By Darragh McCann, The Wicklow People

Three people charged in connection with an alleged hate crime at a Wicklow pub have had their case adjourned until November.

Brendan Kennedy (55), with an address in Ballinalea, Ashford, Co Wicklow, Clive Devlin (54), also with an address in Ashford, and Karen O’Neil (39), with an address in Wicklow town, appeared before a sitting of Bray District Court.

Mr Kennedy is charged with assault contrary to Section 2A of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997, as inserted by Section 7(c) of the Criminal Justice (Hate Offences) Act.

It is alleged that, on September 18, 2025, at the Woodpecker Public House, Ashford, Co Wicklow, the accused assaulted the complainant and, at the time of the offence, or immediately before or after it, demonstrated hatred towards the complainant on account of their membership, or presumed membership, of a group defined by sexual orientation or gender, or was motivated by hostility towards a group of persons defined by sexual orientation or gender.

Sergeant Mick Dee informed the defendant that a disclosure order would be made, with Mr Kennedy then to pass it on to his legal team, who are currently taking part in the nationwide withdrawal of criminal legal aid services.

The withdrawal of services follows a dispute between criminal defence solicitors and the Government over proposed legal aid reforms brought in on July 1 by Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan.

Wicklow solicitors argue the planned changes are unworkable and have warned they could undermine access to justice, with them withdrawing from legal aid work back in June.

Mr Devlin is accused of the same offence as Mr Kennedy, and was also informed that his solicitor is currently taking part in the withdrawal of services.

Clive Devlin (54) and Karen O’Neil (39). © Facebook

Ms O’Neill is charged with a public order offence arising from the same alleged incident.

She is accused of engaging in threatening or abusive words, or insulting behaviour, with intent to provoke a breach of the peace, or being reckless as to whether a breach of the peace would occur, and of demonstrating, at the time of the alleged offence, or immediately before or after it, hatred towards the alleged injured party on account of their membership, or presumed membership, of a group defined by sexual orientation or gender, or being motivated by hostility towards such a group.

All three defendants face charges involving the same complainant Judge Andy Gubbins adjourned the matter until November 17.