Church supplier charged with ramming Russian embassy gates opts for jury trial

The accused Desmond Wisley sells religious products, including wine, bread, altar cloths, banners, candles and vestments

Desmond Wisley has pleaded is not guilty to the charge. File photo: Niall Carson/PA

A church supplier charged with ramming the Russian embassy gates in Dublin intends to plead not guilty and opt for a trial before a Circuit Court judge and jury.

Desmond Wisley, 49, was arrested after his firm's lorry reversed and crashed through the gates of the building at Orwell Road, Rathgar, on the city's south side at around 1.30pm on March 7. Afterwards, he told protesters he saw pictures of a family killed in Irpin, Ukraine, following the Russian invasion.