These reports discuss this legal issue. Inclusion is not a finding or conviction, or a statement about a person's identity or status. Read each report's procedural stage and outcome.
In a Tallaght District Court hearing on 10 October 2025, Judge Áine Shannon dismissed a Section 6 Public Order charge against 64‑year‑old Míceál MacGiobúin of Belmont Park, Donnybrook. MacGiobúin had pleaded not guilty to allegations that he used threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour with intent to cause a breach of the peace during a protest outside the Russian Embassy on Orwell Road, Rathgar, on 11 October 2024. Garda Sophie Gummerson testified that she saw MacGiobúin walking near the embassy carrying a placard and shouting slogans such as "Nazi war criminal – get out of Ireland and get out of Ukraine" and "Putin will put you in his meat mincer" towards embassy employee Igor Koliara, who reported feeling intimidated. MacGiobúin, who represented himself, claimed his protest was passionate but peaceful and denied any threatening intent. CCTV footage reviewed by the judge showed MacGiobúin walking at a steady pace, not running or lunging.
Stephen Bedford, 38, was sentenced to 16 months in prison by the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for driving a jeep into a crowd at an anti‑immigration protest on 15 February 2023. Bedford, who had previously been convicted for overstepping the line at protests, was livestreaming the incident to Facebook. Garda Eoin Cannon testified that Bedford's vehicle collided with an injured protester, who was later taken to hospital. Footage from Bedford's phone showed him leaving a blocked junction, crossing onto the opposite side of the road, and turning into a lane where the protester stood. Bedford pleaded guilty to driving through a crowd, creating a substantial risk of death or serious harm. The judge noted the speed was not great but that Bedford could have caused injury, and he was jailed for 16 months.
The owners of Ryevale House, an 18th‑century property in Leixlip, Co. Kildare, secured a temporary injunction from the High Court to stop nine named defendants from harassing or intimidating residents, staff or contractors. The injunction was sought after a protester threatened a foreman, saying the water‑connection works would not start unless the contractor was prepared to hit him with a bucket from his digger. The house, which began housing 93 female asylum seekers in March 2023, had a contract with the International Protection Accommodation Services office. The owners argued that protesters had regularly picketed the site, blocked the open space where the new water main was to be installed, and threatened the safety of contractors. The court granted the interim injunction and adjourned the matter to the following week.
Christopher Byrne, 29, was on bail when he pushed an undercover journalist at an anti‑immigration protest at the former Crown Paints site in Dublin. He pleaded guilty to affray on 6 April 2024, assault on a prison officer at Mountjoy Prison in March 2023, criminal damage and unlawful use of a car in January 2023. Byrne has 75 prior convictions. The court sentenced him to a total of four years and nine months: 21 months for the affray, three years for the January 2023 offences, and a concurrent two‑year sentence for the prison‑officer assault. He was given credit for time already served. Byrne's defence highlighted his addiction issues, family support and work offers upon release. The judge noted his "terrible history of offending" but acknowledged his guilty pleas and cooperation. No victim impact statements were presented. The sentences are to run consecutively, with the affray sentence following the three‑year term.
Stephen Bedford, 38, who lives in a hostel on Merchants Quay, admitted on his trial date that he drove a car into a crowd of immigration protestors at Five Lamps Junction on 15 February 2023. He pleaded guilty to one count of driving a vehicle through a crowd, creating a substantial risk of death or serious harm. Bedford was remanded on continuing bail and will appear before the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for sentencing on 27 March next year.
A man from Ballinamore, Co Leitrim has been acquitted of dangerous driving following an incident at the Russian Embassy in Dublin two years ago. Desmond Wisley, aged 51, faced trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on charges of dangerous driving and criminal damage after reversing a truck into the embassy gates on Orwell Road, Rathgar on 7 March 2022. The jury returned a unanimous not guilty verdict on the dangerous driving charge. However, jurors were unable to reach agreement on the criminal damage count. Judge Elva Duffy adjourned proceedings on the criminal damage charge until 16 May and remanded Mr Wisley on continuing bail. During the five-day trial, the court heard evidence that the gates required reconstruction at a cost of €13,250. Mr Wisley had acted in protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The High Court heard that a protest at a new Ukrainian refugee accommodation site in Newhall, Naas, Co Kildare, has "de‑escalated". Total Experience Limited, trading as Pastures New Accommodation, was building emergency accommodation for hundreds of Ukrainian refugees and had obtained a temporary injunction to stop protesters from blocking the site's entrances. The plaintiff's lawyers said that, despite the injunction, a campsite had been erected by protesters, which they alleged was trespassing. Counsel for the plaintiff reported that the campsite had been removed overnight, reducing the urgency of the matter. The court agreed to adjourn the case to the following Thursday, keeping the injunction in place. No protesters attended the adjourned hearing, and the plaintiff's application to amend the proceedings was postponed. The injunction remains in force while the case is pending.
The High Court heard that protesters continue to obstruct entrances to a refugee accommodation site in Naas, Co Kildare, despite a temporary injunction granted last week. Gary McCarthy SC, with Barry Mansfield BL, representing the applicant, Total Experience Limited trading as Pastures New Accommodation, told Mr Justice Oisin Quinn that the protest remains ongoing. Counsel alleged that while some protesters left, others erected a campsite at the entrance, preventing larger articulated lorries from accessing the site. The applicant claims the protesters are trespassing and requested to amend proceedings to address this alleged trespass, extend the previous order, and add the names of several identified individuals. The court heard the facility, contracted by the State to provide 985 beds, was scheduled to open this week but remains delayed. No defendants appeared or made representations. Mr Justice Quinn accepted the matter remained urgent and adjourned it to later this week. The applicant also alleged that protesters previously used tactics including human shields and parked cars to block access, constituting a nuisance. The company expressed concern over aggressive social media posts alleging threats of fire and sabotage, noting fears of escalation given previous incidents involving refugee accommodation.
A company building emergency accommodation for Ukrainian refugees in Newhall, Naas, Co Kildare, has obtained a temporary High Court injunction to stop protesters from blocking the site's entrances. Total Experience Limited, trading as Pastures New Accommodation, claims that up to 50 protesters have been preventing people and vehicles from entering or leaving the site by forming a "human shield" and parking cars in front of the entrances. The company says these actions amount to nuisance and unreasonable interference, and that the blockade could delay the completion of the facility, which is 90% finished and expected to be ready by early March. Mr Justice Mark Sanfey granted the injunction on an ex‑parte basis, restraining two identified protesters, Noreen O'Shea and Jessica McLoughlin, and against unknown persons who are also alleged to be obstructing the entrances. The injunction is temporary and the case is set to return to court next week.
In a discrimination claim, the Workplace Relations Commission ruled that the National Women's Council of Ireland (NWCI) was entitled to refuse admission to Sarah Holmes and four other protestors at its 2022 AGM. The NWCI cited a "potentially explosive situation" after a press release from the activist group 'The Countess' threatened a transgender board member. The council had warned the hotel, rearranged registration, and escorted a TD and the board member. Witnesses reported that protestors, including Holmes, were vocal and that the council's risk mitigation measures were necessary. Holmes claimed the refusal was religious discrimination, but the tribunal found no discrimination and upheld the council's decision to bar the group. The case was heard behind closed doors, with the tribunal's findings made public.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Jake Merriman, aged 31, was sentenced to 20 months in prison for endangering a garda during an anti‑lockdown protest on Grafton Street on 27 February 2021. Merriman threw a firework, which was lit by a juvenile, into the crowd, perforating Garda Mark Walsh's right eardrum. He also punched a garda in the face and kicked another in the testicles. The court noted Merriman's violent conduct and his admission that he had been drinking the night before and intended only to cause a disturbance. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a custodial sentence, acknowledging Merriman's remorse and his payment of €10,000 as a token of regret. The garda's hearing has since recovered, though he suffered temporary loss of hearing. The case highlighted the serious impact of Merriman's actions on the garda and the protest environment.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, former Shannon Airport fire officer Richard Moloney described Ken Mayers (85) and Tarak Kauff (80) as the most courteous protesters he had met. The men, both U.S. residents, were arrested in March 2019 after allegedly cutting a hole in a perimeter fence and trespassing on airport land. They claimed to be peace protesters checking an American aircraft, holding a banner that read 'US veterans say respect Irish neutrality. American war machine out of Shannon Airport'. The court heard that the airport was shut for 30–40 minutes, delaying two departing planes and a Turkish Airlines cargo aircraft. Both men pleaded not guilty to criminal damage, trespassing and interfering with airport operations. The case remains before Judge Patricia Ryan and a jury.
In a High Court hearing on 1 April 2022, Collen Construction Limited sought an injunction against residents of Castleforbes Square and Liffey Trust/North Bank Apartments who had blocked access to its new 270‑bed hotel and office development at Castleforbes Business Park, Dublin 1. Collen claimed the blockade had caused it to lose €350,000 per week, citing 16 lost working days and ongoing financial harm. The company offered €75,000 to community projects, which was rejected, and the protest resumed on 23 March. The court, hearing a sworn statement from Collen's counsel, granted an ex‑parte injunction preventing five named residents and unknown persons from obstructing entry or exit of the site. The judge noted the protest was peaceful, allowed for talks, and warned residents that they could pursue their own legal action if they had concerns about dust, noise or nuisance. The injunction was adjourned for a week.
Historian Kerron Ó'Luain, aged 34, was charged with unlawful violence after he punched a Polish man during an anti‑Pegida protest in Dublin on 6 February 2016. The incident occurred when a group of protesters, who believed the victim knew members of the far‑right group Pegida, attacked him. CCTV footage showed Ó'Luain delivering a single punch to the victim's head before leaving the scene. He pleaded guilty to the offence. In July, Judge Melanie Greally found his culpability to be in the low range for violent disorder, describing the conduct as reprehensible but very short‑lived. She ordered him to donate €200 to Pieta House and to keep the peace for a set period. At a subsequent sentencing hearing, the court noted that Ó'Luain had complied with all conditions and discharged him from the indictment. The victim sustained cuts and bruises but did not make a statement to Gardaí. The case was heard in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
The High Court heard that the €16m redevelopment of the Royal Irish Academy of Music's Dublin premises has been halted by protesters who block access to the site. Protesters, who live nearby, display banners claiming "Developers Disrespect our Community" and "Support the Residents". The Academy and Purcell Construction, the builders, argue the works are to expand and modernise the college, not a speculative property project. They say the protesters' slow‑walking blockade at the Westland Row entrance has stopped work and raised health and safety concerns, including dangerous material buildup. After an initial ceasefire and a temporary agreement with 18 local households, a second wave of protests resumed, again blocking the entrance. The court granted a temporary injunction preventing anyone from impeding access or intimidating entrants, and the case will return next week. The injunction was granted ex‑parte. The court acknowledged the right to peaceful protest but noted the health and safety risks presented by the blockade.
The High Court heard that a protest halting work on a social housing scheme in Mullhuddart, Dublin 15, has ended. K&J Townmore Construction Ltd, contracted by Cluid Housing Association to build 65 units at Ladyswell Road, had brought proceedings against protesters it claimed had unlawfully blockaded the site since mid-January. The action was taken against Alice Woods, the only identified protester, and Local People, who were applicants in the matter. Gary McCarthy SC, representing Townmore, stated the proceedings were resolved following discussions. Ms Woods consented to orders prohibiting her and any person with knowledge of the order from trespassing at or interfering with access to the site. However, her lawyers stated she did not accept Townmore's claim that she was the ringleader. Townmore alleged the protesters, who used placards such as "Local Houses for Local People," physically obstructed vehicles, causing over €1.5m in costs and reputational damage. Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds welcomed the end of the protest and Ms Woods's consent to the orders. She warned the court would take a "very serious view" of any breach. The judge also expressed serious concerns regarding the participation of school children during school hours and noted "serious health and safety issues" arising from the obstruction of heavy vehicles.
High Court proceedings have been initiated by K&J Townmore Construction Ltd against protesters allegedly obstructing the completion of a social housing scheme in West Dublin. The company, contracted by Cluid Housing Association to build 65 social houses and apartments at Ladyswell Road, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15, claims that protesters have physically blocked access to the site since mid-January, impacting its ability to meet contractual obligations and damaging its reputation. The protesters, who assert they want some houses allocated to local people, have set up a tent outside the site and used placards with messages such as 'Local Houses for Local People' and 'More Social Housing for the Irish'. Townmore's counsel, Gary McCarthy SC, stated that the dispute is between Cluid and the residents, with the company being 'caught in the middle'. The firm claims the protests have caused over €1.5m in costs, with some subcontractors leaving and parts of the buildings degrading due to exposure. The application for an injunction is against Ms Alice Woods, alleged leader and spokesperson for the protesters. The matter was adjourned by Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds, who expressed concern over the involvement of school-age children in the protest and noted that if they are being 'used as pawns', other agencies may need to be involved. The case is scheduled to be heard later this week.
In a High Court case, an injunction that had limited protests outside Shelbourne Park greyhound track was lifted after settlement talks. The agreement, reached between the protesters and Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium Ltd, allows the protesters to continue peaceful demonstrations on Saturday evenings but under agreed conditions. The track operators will pay the protesters' legal costs and acknowledge the right of patrons and employees to attend events. The settlement also removes any insinuations that the protesters were involved with leaflets threatening residents, which are under Garda investigation. The injunction had barred the six named protesters and others from approaching within 50 metres of the track entrance and from obstructing access. The parties agreed to protocols, including keeping protests on a public path at least 3.5 metres from the entrance, limiting slogans to greyhound welfare, and deploying stewards in high‑visibility jackets.
The High Court was asked to lift an injunction that limits protests against the greyhound racing industry outside Shelbourne Park. The injunction, obtained by GreyhoundStadium Ltd, bars six named protesters and anyone aware of the order from impeding access to the stadium within 50 metres of the entrance. The protests began after an RTE exposé of industry practices. Operators claim the protests have gone beyond peaceful protest, alleging intimidation and verbal abuse of patrons, while the defendants deny these claims and argue the protests have always been peaceful. The defendants, including Laura Broxson, Tawnie Ocampo, Catherine Wood, Bernie Wright, Conor Brady and Noiren Carrigg, seek to have the injunction lifted. The Irish Council of Civil Liberties has joined as amicus curiae, citing freedom of speech and assembly concerns.
The Irish Council of Civil Liberties (ICCL) seeks to join a High Court case as an amicus curiae, arguing that the dispute over greyhound protests raises key freedom of speech and assembly issues. The case involves Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium Ltd, which obtained a temporary injunction preventing protesters from operating within 50 metres of the track entrance and barring six named individuals and anyone aware of the order from obstructing access. The ICCL, represented by Marc Murphy BL, contends that the injunction infringes on civil liberties. Defendants, including Laura Broxson, Tawnie Ocampo, Catherine Wood, Bernie Wright, Conor Brady, and Noiren Carrigg, claim their protests are peaceful and seek the injunction lifted. Lawyers for the defendants argue that the track operators now accept the defendants had no role in leaflets that urged residents to shut down the stadium, and therefore the injunction should not continue.
The prosecution case has closed in the trial of Garda Sean Lucey, who has pleaded not guilty to one count of assault causing harm to Colm Hand and damaging his camera at Cathedral Street, Dublin city centre, on February 6, 2016. Lucey, a 42-year-old garda stationed at Crumlin Village and Sundrive Road, was detailed to a public order unit during confrontations between protesters and gardaí. On the fourth day of the trial, before Judge Melanie Greally and a jury, the prosecution called Garda Colm McGagen, who stated he feared for his safety amid an aggressive crowd with covered faces. McGagen testified that he did not use his baton to strike anyone and that he gently moved freelance photographers, including the complainant, on 15 occasions for their safety. He noted he did not know Hand was an RTÉ cameraman. Dr Ciara O'Carroll testified that she examined Hand on February 8, 2016, finding a bruise on his upper right thigh and no other injuries. She prescribed sleeping tablets and declared him unfit for work for one week, though he had returned to work by April. The trial continues.
During a 2016 protest on Cathedral Street, Garda Sean Lucey (42) was accused of striking RTÉ cameraman Colm Hand with a baton and then striking Hand in the groin. The incident occurred while RTÉ reporters Colman O'Sullivan and Hand were moving across a Garda line to avoid confrontation between anti‑racism protesters and a far‑right group. O'Sullivan testified that a Garda advanced from the line and hit Hand's camera before striking him. Hand reported being hurt and the pair left the area. Garda Michael Dibley, David Laird and others from the public order unit described the situation as hostile, with Gardaí outnumbered and under pressure from protestors. The trial heard that the Garda unit was tasked with preventing protesters from reaching supporters of the far‑right group and that batons were used only after other means failed. The case is pending in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Sean Lucey pleaded not guilty.
The High Court has struck out injunctions that were secured in September against two men accused of blockading and intimidating workers at a pet food manufacturing plant in Edgeworthstown, Co Longford. C&D Pet Foods, part of the ABP Food Group, had obtained the orders against Cllr Paraic Brady of Drumlish and Colm Leonard of Aughanoran, both Co Longford, following protests by farmers objecting to beef prices. The injunctions prohibited the defendants and those aware of them from trespassing, blockading the plant, or intimidating staff and visitors. At the High Court on Friday, Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds agreed to strike out the proceedings on a consent basis, with no order made as to legal costs. The company had claimed the blockade obstructed its entrance for several days and threatened over 500 local jobs, causing approximately €400,000 in losses.
In a 2018 Court of Appeal decision, the court found that a District Court judge had erred in dismissing charges against James Kelly, a Dublin protestor, for obstructing a flatbed truck operated by an Irish Water contractor on York Road, Dun Laoghaire, on 18 May 2015. Kelly was charged under Section 9 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 for preventing or interrupting the free passage of the vehicle without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, and under Section 8 for failing to comply with a Garda direction. The District Court judge, Anne Watkin, dismissed both charges, citing uncertainty about the presence of lawful authority or reasonable excuse and the sergeant's reasonable suspicion. The Court of Appeal, led by Mr Justice George Birmingham, held that the evidence clearly showed deliberate blocking of the truck's free passage without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, and that the judge's dismissal was incorrect.
The High Court was informed that protesters had vacated 41 Belvedere Place after MJH Property Management obtained an injunction compelling them to leave. MJH, represented by Stephen Hanaphy BL, claimed the building was taken over on 8 September by individuals linked to the "Take Back the City" campaign. The owners said the premises were unsafe for occupation and intended to develop the Georgian property into apartments. The court noted the protestors had complied with the order and the owners could seek to strike out the proceedings.
In a High Court hearing on 2 October 2018, MJH Property Management, owners of 41 Belvedere Place, Dublin 1, reported that protestors had not vacated the building despite a court‑issued injunction. The injunction, granted last month, required unknown persons to leave the premises immediately and cease unlawful trespass. The owners said the occupation began on 8 September when members of the "Take Back the City" campaign forcibly entered the vacant Georgian building, which they plan to develop into apartments. They argued the building is unsafe and unsuitable for the occupation, and that continued trespass would breach fire safety regulations and jeopardise insurance. No representation was made on behalf of the occupants at the hearing. The judge adjourned the matter for two weeks, noting the owners were taking steps to resolve the situation. The case follows similar High Court actions at other north inner‑city properties occupied by protestors.
Dylan Collins, 22, pleaded guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to criminal damage of a rear window on a marked Hyundai Garda car at Fortunestown Rord, Jobstown, Tallaght, on 15 November 2014. The incident occurred when protesters surrounded the car of former Tánaiste Joan Burton and her advisor Karen O'Connell after a graduation ceremony at An Cosan Education Centre, delaying them for three hours. Collins was remanded on continuing bail until 18 January for a sentence hearing expected to last about half an hour. The unnamed accused was acquitted.
Dublin Circuit Criminal Court formally discharged charges against ten of the eleven Jobstown water charge protesters. Judge Melanie Greally entered a nolle prosequi for all accused except Dylan Collins, whose case remains active. Prosecution barrister Sean Gillane SC stated that Collins, aged 22, is alleged to have committed violent disorder and criminal damage to a garda car rear window on November 15, 2014. He will be arraigned on November 20, with a trial date likely unnecessary. The other ten defendants, including Antoinette Kane and Calvin Carlyle, faced allegations of violent disorder at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, on the same date. Their charges were dropped following a request from the DPP. This decision follows a previous trial where six men, including Solidarity TD Paul Murphy, were found not guilty of falsely imprisoning former Tánaiste Joan Burton and her advisor Karen O'Connell. Protesters celebrated the discharge outside the court, demanding a public inquiry into the prosecution. The matter for the ten discharged individuals was concluded, while Collins's case proceeds to arraignment.
During a pre‑trial hearing at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 25 July 2017, Judge Melanie Greally addressed the defendants remanded on bail in the 2014 Jobstown water protest case. She explained that she was considering changing their bail conditions to prohibit them from commenting on the trials online, citing the need to protect the integrity of the proceedings. The judge noted that the first trial, which concluded in May with the acquittal of all six accused, had seen non‑trials participants post remarks on social media, and that a defendant's commentary near the end of that trial had almost derailed the process. She warned that any attempt to influence the jury selection or public opinion could be treated as contempt of court and lead to prosecution. Lawyers for some defendants objected to linking bail conditions to commentary, but the judge agreed to hear the matter in full on Friday.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing that lasted 40 days, a jury of seven men and four women found six men – Solidarity TD Paul Murphy, South Dublin County Councillors Michael Murphy and Kieran Mahon, and co‑accused Scott Masterson, Frank Donaghy and Michael Banks – not guilty of all charges of falsely imprisoning Joan Burton and her adviser Karen O'Connell. The defendants had been accused of restricting the women's liberty without consent at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, Tallaght, during an anti‑water charges protest on 15 November 2014. The jury deliberated for three hours and ten minutes before returning unanimous verdicts. Judge Melanie Greally, after the verdicts, thanked the jury for their service and exempted them from future duty. The trial had focused on whether the defendants' actions amounted to total restraint, a point the jury found was not proven. The case was described by the defence as a politically motivated attempt to criminalise peaceful protest.
The trial of six men accused of falsely imprisoning former Tánaiste Joan Burton and her adviser Karen O'Connell at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, Tallaght, on November 15, 2014, has heard closing arguments. Solidarity TD Paul Murphy, Kieran Mahon, Michael Murphy, Frank Donaghy, Michael Banks, and Scott Masterson all pleaded not guilty to the charges. Defence counsel for Frank Donaghy argued that his client was a peaceful protestor who merely held a banner, contending that the charge of false imprisonment, which carries a potential life sentence, was unfair and disproportionate. Counsel for Scott Masterson similarly argued that his client's presence and leading of non-abusive chants did not constitute false imprisonment, highlighting that the women were able to exit the vehicle. The defence characterised the incident as a spontaneous political protest rather than a criminal conspiracy. The matter is currently at the sentencing stage, with the trial continuing before the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
The trial of seven defendants, including Kieran Mahon, Michael Murphy, Frank Donaghy, Ken Purcell, Michael Banks, Scott Masterson, and Paul Murphy, continues before Judge Melanie Greally and a jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. All defendants have pleaded not guilty to the alleged false imprisonment of Ms Burton and her adviser Karen O'Connell at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, Tallaght, on November 15, 2014. On day 23 of the proceedings, Detective Garda Darren Rooney testified regarding the arrest of Mr Masterson at his Tallaght home on February 9, 2015. While acknowledging that Mr Masterson's four-year-old child was present, Det Gda Rooney denied that the defendant was handcuffed in front of the child, rejecting defence claims that the action was excessive. He stated handcuffing was for safety. Separately, Detective Garda Conor Fleming described the arrest of Councillor Kieran Mahon at his home at 6.50am on the same date. Fleming confirmed that six plain-clothes gardaí attended, four of whom were armed, and that Mr Mahon's children, aged 10 and 13, were in the house. He stated that Mr Mahon cooperated and no firearms were produced. The court heard that Mr Mahon was taken to Tallaght Garda Station for interview. The trial is ongoing, with no findings, sentences, or finalisations recorded at this stage.
The trial of South Dublin Councillor Michael Murphy and six co-defendants is ongoing at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. All seven men, including Solidarity TD Paul Murphy, Kieran Mahon, Frank Donaghy, Ken Purcell, Michael Banks, and Scott Masterson, have pleaded not guilty to falsely imprisoning former Tánaiste Joan Burton and her assistant Karen O'Connell during a water charges protest in November 2014. Garda Fionnuala Whelan testified that Councillor Murphy was more concerned about negative publicity than public safety, alleging he taunted the Tánaiste and riled the crowd rather than calming it. She interpreted his suggestion to give Burton sanctuary in a church as a threat to her safety rather than a proposal to Gardaí. Conversely, defence counsel argued Murphy used his influence to de-escalate aggression. Detective Garda Richard Hansen described the scene as a "Hillsborough type" situation, noting Paul Murphy sat in front of the vehicle carrying the Tánaiste, though he accepted under cross-examination that Murphy had proposed a slow march. The jury reviewed video footage of the incident. The matter is currently at the sentence stage, with cross-examination continuing.
During the 18th day of the trial of Solidarity TD Paul Murphy and six others for the 2014 anti‑water charges protest in Jobstown, Sergeant Michael Phelan testified that he was struck on the back of the head with a can of Red Bull that burst open. Phelan described a chaotic scene in which protestors hurled "missiles" such as cigarette lighters, branches and twigs at Gardaí while attempting to restrain former Tanaiste Joan Burton and adviser Karen O'Connell. He said the crowd surrounded the Avensis car that held the women, then moved them to a Garda jeep, with officers trying to protect them but being shoved and struck. Phelan also reported that a female colleague was shoved from behind and fell. The accused men, including Scott Masterson, deny the charges and claim they were present for a peaceful protest. The trial continues with the jury now reduced to 11 members.
In the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, the trial of Solidarity TD Paul Murphy and six other men for allegedly falsely imprisoning former Tanaiste Joan Burton and adviser Karen O'Connell during a 2014 anti‑water protest has progressed to day 18. A female juror was absent, and Judge Melanie Greally discharged her, allowing the jury to continue with 11 members—seven men and four women. The defendants, including Paul Murphy (34), Michael Murphy (53), Kieran Mahon (39), Frank Donaghy (71), Ken Purcell (50), Michael Banks (46) and Scott Masterson (34), deny the charges. They are accused of restricting Burton and O'Connell's liberty by holding them in a Garda car and later a Garda jeep for up to three hours near Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, Tallaght, after the women attended a local graduation ceremony. The trial remains ongoing.
The trial of seven men, including Solidarity TD Paul Murphy, South Dublin Councillors Kieran Mahon and Michael Murphy, and four others, continues before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. All defendants deny charges of falsely imprisoning former Tánaiste Joan Burton and her aide Karen O'Connell by restricting their liberty during a protest in Jobstown, Tallaght, on November 15, 2014. Garda Marion Power testified that she felt she was going to be "crushed" by the crowd while shielding Ms. Burton, reporting that protesters banged on vehicles, pushed against them, and shouted abuse. Superintendent Daniel Flavin stated he transferred the women to a jeep for safety due to the hostile environment. He noted that Mr. Murphy addressed the crowd via loudhailer, asking if they would keep the women there all night, and later suggested removing the Public Order Unit would allow the jeep to move. Sergeant Brian Boland of the Public Order Unit explained that removing protesters was difficult due to their numbers and that their deployment is a last resort. The trial is ongoing before Judge Melanie Greally and a jury.
The trial of seven men accused of falsely imprisoning former Tánaiste Joan Burton and her advisor Karen O'Connell continues at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Solidarity TD Paul Murphy, South Dublin Councillors Michael Murphy and Kieran Mahon, and Frank Donaghy, Ken Purcell, Michael Banks, and Scott Masterson have all pleaded not guilty to the charges. The alleged incident occurred on November 15, 2014, at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, Tallaght, where the women were reportedly held in vehicles for approximately three hours during a water charges protest. On day 14, Garda Brian O'Connor testified that he was dragged and punched by protesters while protecting the women. He stated that armed gardaí were present at the scene, leading to an order for plain-clothed officers to leave. The jury heard that the women were escorted through a human cordon to a Garda Jeep amidst aggressive crowds. The trial is ongoing before Judge Melanie Greally and a jury, with no findings, sentences, or finalisations recorded at this procedural stage.
In the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial of Solidarity TD Paul Murphy and six other water protesters, former Tanaiste Joan Burton appeared as a witness. She denied that she omitted the term "water protesters" from her statement to gardaí to avoid giving them legitimacy, insisting she was simply describing what happened. Burton said she was not making political statements and that she was asked to recount the events. She described being trapped in a car for about three hours after a graduation ceremony, feeling the protest was "very unusual" and "scary and menacing." She noted that most protesters behaved peacefully, but some engaged in shouting, banging the car and pushing. Burton also said she believes people have a right to protest peacefully, though she disagrees with the behaviour of many protesters in that particular campaign. The trial will continue with her next appearance on Thursday.
Former Tanaiste Joan Burton denied being relaxed in the car where she was allegedly falsely imprisoned during a water‑charges protest on 15 November 2014. She told the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that she suffered nightmares after the event and that she tried to keep her composure to avoid aggravating the protesters. Video clips shown to the jury showed her reading a newspaper article about Michael Collins and speaking to adviser Karen O'Connell about posting a message on social media about children "roaming" the area. Burton said she did not hear political slogans, only "peaceful protest" and "shame on you", and that she had been in a "fear‑filled atmosphere". She also described the protest slogans shouted outside the car, including "Enda Kenny in your ivory tower" and "Stick your water meters up your arse". The trial, presided over by Judge Melanie Greally, continues with a jury of seven men and five women.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, former Tanaiste Joan Burton recounted a frightening encounter with anti‑water‑charge protesters on 15 November 2014 in Tallaght. She said she and her adviser, Karen O'Connell, were moved from a garda car to a waiting jeep amid a hostile crowd that shouted abuse and threw eggs. Burton described being struck twice in the back of the neck—first by a ball‑like object and later by a water bomb that drenched her hair and jacket. She recalled the crowd's violent surge, the loss of her shoe, and the fear of nearby children. The incident led to charges of false imprisonment against Paul Murphy, Kieran Mahon, Michael Murphy and four others, all of whom denied the allegations. The trial, presided over by Judge Melanie Greally, is ongoing.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Solidarity TD Paul Murphy (34) and six other water‑charge protesters were accused of "plainly involving" themselves in restricting the liberty of then Tánaiste Joan Burton and her adviser Karen O'Connell on 15 November 2014. The prosecution alleged that the men, including councillors Kieran Mahon (39) and Michael Murphy (53), had surrounded a garda jeep carrying Burton and O'Connell, preventing its movement and effectively trapping the two women for about two hours. The case was presented by Sean Gillane SC, who described the incident as an intentional or reckless restriction of liberty without consent, a form of false imprisonment under the 1997 Non‑Fatal Offences Act. All seven men entered not‑guilty pleas; the trial continues before Judge Melanie Greally. The prosecution's narrative focused on the alleged obstruction of the jeep and the failure of gardaí to move the vehicle, while the defendants maintained their innocence.
The trial of Solidarity TD Paul Murphy and six other men for falsely imprisoning former Tánaiste Joan Burton and her advisor Karen O'Connell was postponed because a juror could not continue. Judge Melanie Greally informed the eleven jurors that one had been lost and that a replacement would be selected the next morning. The jury, composed of five women and seven men, had been empanelled after a three‑and‑a‑half‑hour selection process that called over 100 potential jurors. The defendants – Paul Murphy (34), Kieran Mahon (39), Michael Murphy (53), Frank Donaghy (71), Ken Purcell (50), Michael Banks (46) and Scott Masterson (34) – had all entered not‑guilty pleas at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Greally reminded the jurors not to conduct independent research or discuss the case with family or friends.
A jury of five women and seven men was selected after a three‑and‑a‑half‑hour process that called over 100 potential jurors. The jury will hear the trial of Solidarity TD Paul Murphy (34) and six other men, including South Dublin councillors Kieran Mahon (39) and Michael Murphy (53), on charges of falsely imprisoning former Tánaiste Joan Burton and Karen O'Connell at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, Tallaght on 15 November 2014. All defendants have entered not‑guilty pleas. Judge Melanie Greally informed the panel that the case is expected to last six weeks and that the trial will begin at 2 p.m. tomorrow. She set strict criteria for juror eligibility, excluding those with personal connections to the parties, substantial knowledge of the events, employment with Irish Water or related agencies, or strong public positions on water charges.
Seven water charge protesters, including Paul Murphy TD, Kieran Mahon, Michael Murphy, Michael Banks, Frank Donaghy, Ken Purcell, and Scott Masterson, appeared before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court regarding their upcoming trial. The defendants are accused of falsely imprisoning then Tánaiste Joan Burton and Karen O'Connell during a protest in Jobstown on November 15, 2014. The case was listed after the Director of Public Prosecutions raised concerns about a campaign and a rally scheduled for the weekend. Counsel for the accused informed the court that their clients would undertake not to speak about the trial at the rally. Judge Melanie Greally noted relief at this responsible position. The trial is scheduled to begin on April 24, with a jury to be selected. The court discussed the possibility of an enlarged jury panel if the trial exceeds the scheduled six weeks. The defendants face charges of false imprisonment, and the matter is currently at the pre-trial stage ahead of the scheduled hearing.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has raised concerns that the constitutional process of trial by jury may be interfered with in the upcoming trial of water charge protesters. Anti-Austerity Alliance TD Paul Murphy (33), Dublin Councillor Kieran Mahon (39), Anti Austerity Alliance Councillor Michael Murphy (53), and four other men are due to stand trial next month on charges related to the alleged false imprisonment of then Tánaiste Joan Burton three years ago. The trial was discussed in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where Sean Gillane SC, prosecuting, highlighted concerns regarding literature and a campaign surrounding the trial, which could potentially interfere with the jury process. The court heard that an event being billed as a national event was to be held in the capital this weekend, with activists and journalists expected to attend. Various lawyers for the defendants requested clarification from the DPP regarding any orders sought from the court. The matter was listed for further hearing tomorrow afternoon. The accused include Frank Donaghy (71), Ken Purcell (50), Michael Banks (46), and Scott Masterson (34), each facing charges arising from a water protest in Jobstown on November 15th, 2014. A second trial of six people accused of false imprisonment is scheduled for October 2, 2017, with a pre-trial date set for June 8, 2017. The final trial of five people accused of violent disorder is set for April 9, 2018, with a pre-trial date set for December 13, 2017.
Judge Melanie Greally addressed legal teams at a pre-trial hearing in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court regarding the upcoming trial of Anti-Austerity Alliance TD Paul Murphy, Dublin Councillor Kieran Mahon, and four other men. The defendants face charges arising from the alleged false imprisonment of then Tánaiste Joan Burton during a water protest in Jobstown on November 15, 2014. The judge warned that jury selection would be a "difficult exercise" due to potential sympathies for either side, instructing counsel to identify unsuitable jurors by the next pre-trial hearing on January 26. Prosecuting counsel Tony McGillicuddy noted that all defendants sought a second pre-trial hearing to reach consensus on these matters. The trial is scheduled to proceed as planned on April 24. The accused include Michael Murphy, Frank Donaghy, Ken Purcell, Michael Banks, and Scott Masterson. Additionally, the court noted that a second trial of six people accused of false imprisonment is due for October 2, 2017, with a pre-trial hearing on June 8, 2017. A final trial of five people accused of violent disorder is set for April 9, 2018, with a pre-trial date of December 13, 2017. The matter was adjourned to the next pre-trial date.
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.
Stephen Bennett, 44, of Pearse Green Sallynoggin, Dublin, faces charges of obstructing Irish Water under section 12 of the Water Service Act 2007 in both Dublin and Dun Laoghaire District Courts. He has filed a High Court application to halt his prosecution, arguing that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) lacks authority to prosecute offences under the 2007 Act. Bennett's counsel, Michael Ó Higgins SC, contended that only a water services authority can bring summary proceedings under the Act, and that the DPP, acting in each case, is not such an authority. The DPP countered that it is fully entitled to prosecute. Mr Justice Richard Humphreys granted Bennett permission to proceed with his challenge, placed a stay on the prosecutions pending the High Court's decision, and set a return date in July. The case remains pending.
At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Melanie Greally ruled that Anti-Austerity Alliance TD Paul Murphy and 18 other accused, including Dublin Councillor Kieran Mahon and Alliance Councillor Michael Murphy, must face separate trials on charges of false imprisonment, violent disorder, and criminal damage. The allegations stem from a water charges protest in Jobstown in November 2014, where it is alleged that violence delayed TD Joan Burton and her entourage for approximately two hours. Prosecutors argued that the 45-count indictment should be divided into manageable blocks, while the defence initially contested the court's jurisdiction to sever the case. Judge Greally determined she had the authority to alter the indictment, stating that trying all 19 defendants together would place unrealistic demands on jurors and exceed the physical capacity of the court complex. She ordered the accused be separated into groups relevant to the proposed evidence. The matter was adjourned to July 22 to allow for legal argument regarding the proposed groupings and to set trial dates. All accused were remanded on bail until that date.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Anti Austerity Alliance TD Paul Murphy, aged 32, and 18 other defendants faced charges of false imprisonment and violent disorder related to a water charges protest in Jobstown nearly 18 months earlier. The defendants, including Councillor Kieran Mahon (38) and Michael Murphy (50), indicated through their legal teams that they intend to plead not guilty and seek a trial date. They objected to a State application to sever the indictment for separate trials. Defences for Antoinette Kane (23) and Carol Purcell (56) were discussed, with Kane's counsel awaiting instructions after the birth of her child and Purcell's counsel seeking a section 4e application due to disputed facts. Judge Melanie Greally adjourned the case to later that afternoon to allow the defence teams to present their objections to severing the indictment. The hearing also noted that Ms.