Seven water meter protesters face prison term over contempt of court

Seven of nine protesters restrained by the High Court from interfering with workmen installing water meters in Dublin may face going to prison on Thursday for contempt of court.

Barrister Jim O’Callaghan SC, counsel for a meter installation contractor, told Mr Justice Max Barrett yesterday that unlawful protests were still taking place in breach of the court’s injunctions.

Initially, nine defendants had been named by GMC Sierra Ltd, which is installing the meters on behalf of Bord Gáis, in an application to restrain them from assaulting, intimidating or interfering with the workmen.