Man spared jail over protest during queen’s visit

A Dublin man who threw rocks, glass bottles, and a bike at riot police and a riot van during Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to Ireland has been spared jail after a judge suspended his prison sentence.

Mark Griffin, aged 26, of North Strand Road, was part of a group of protesters that turned violent towards public order gardaí while the Queen and her husband Prince Philip were visiting the Garden of Remembrance in Parnell Square.

Missiles — including fireworks, general debris, and bottles — were thrown at gardaí. At one stage Griffin helped push a wheelie bin that had been set alight up against the line of shielded riot officers.

He pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to violent disorder on Dorset St Upper on May 17, 2011.

Griffin has 71 previous convictions for offences including drugs, road traffic, theft and public order.

Judge Mary Ellen Ring suspended a sentence of two and a half years on condition that Griffin keeps the peace for that period.

The court heard that Griffin was spotted throwing rocks and glass bottles. He was arrested and admitted taking part in the riot “because everyone else was”. He said he had also thrown a bike at one of the vans.