Protester’s trial for obstructing workers is test case, court hears

A Dublin protester’s trial for obstructing Irish Water is a test case and one of the first of its kind, a court heard.

Unemployed Stephen Bennett, aged 42, of Pearse Green, Sallynoggin, appeared at Dublin District Court charged under the Water Service Act 2007, for obstructing the company exercising its powers, on October 21 last, at Villa Park Gardens, Cabra, Dublin 7.

Judge Anthony Halpin heard directions from the DPP need to be obtained to determine if the activist’s case should be dealt with at district court level or go forward for trial on indictment to the circuit court.