Three-year sentence for 'Love Ulster' rioter

A man from Blarney who smashed the window of a Garda patrol van outside the GPO during the ‘Love Ulster’ Parade riots was given a three-year sentence by Judge Des Hogan at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Shane Hickey (aged 27) of The View, Gleann na Rí, Tower, Blarney, County Cork pleaded guilty to violent disorder in O’Connell Street, Dublin on February 25 2006.

Detective Garda Con Houlihan told prosecuting counsel, Mr Shane Costelloe BL, that two of his colleagues Garda Niall Murphy and Garda James King were stationed in a patrol van at the GPO when Hickey attacked the van with a hose and gas regulator and cracked the front window.

"Both men feared for their lives," said Det Gda Houlihan. "Garda King had to press his feet up against the window to prevent it shattering in on them while Garda Murphy tried to reverse the van out a highly dangerous situation."

Hickey who wore a black baseball hat and a black and white top during the attack was identified after Det Gda Houlihan viewed more than 122 video tapes and had stills televised on the RTÉ's 'Crimeline' programme.

Gardaí in Cork identified Hickey as he had already acquired 13 convictions in the Cork District Court, including 10 for public order offences.

Mr Sean Gillane BL, defending, said that his client had behavioural problem as a result of alcohol abuse.

Judge Hogan questioned why Hickey, who lives in Cork, was in Dublin on the day of the ‘Love Ulster’ parade.

"I am not drawing any inference from this," said Judge Hogan "I am only asking."

Judge Hogan continued: "You were 26 years of age when you committed this offence in O’Connell Street, so you were not a callow youth. Over the years you have had a propensity to commit crimes of aggression.

"You have received suspended sentences in the District Court but now what you have done has brought you to the attention of the Circuit Criminal Court."

Judge Hogan said Hickey was in possession of a potential weapon on the day and was well aware that the gardaí were trapped inside the van and had little opportunity of escaping.

Judge Hogan suspended the last 12 months of the sentence on the condition that Hickey undergo alcohol counselling.