Two men charged with public order offences at protest outside Dáil

Both are accused of threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour at Molesworth Street

Wed, 20 Sep, 2023 - 17:25

Tom Tuite

Two Dublin men arrested during a protest outside the Dáil were granted bail after appearing in court on public order charges on Wednesday.

Philip Keogh, 45, Griffith Park, Finglas, and Darryl McMahon, 48, of Charlestown Park, Finglas, appeared before Judge Alan Mitchell at Dublin District Court. Both are accused of threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour at Molesworth Street.

Mr Keogh has an additional charge for obstructing gardaí during the incident, while Mr McMahon has an extra charge for failing to comply with a Garda direction to leave the vicinity.

Garda Glen Quinn told Judge Mitchell they had no reply when charged at Kevin Street station on Wednesday.

The garda objected to bail in Mr Keogh’s case only. “Following his arrest, he informed me he would not appear before the court on these charges because he does not recognise the charges,” said Garda Quinn.

Pleading for bail, defence solicitor Donal Quigley said it was not that Mr Keogh did not recognise the charges but that he “doesn’t believe he should be charged” and did not admit them.

“It was a protest he was arrested at, and emotions in these matters can run quite high,” the solicitor said. Following a query from the judge, the garda clarified that further charges were not likely.

Philip Keogh has an additional charge for obstructing gardaí during the incident. Picture: Paddy Cummins

The judge decided to grant bail, and the garda asked for conditions with the accused ordered to stay away from Molesworth Street and the houses of the Oireachtas.

However, Judge Mitchell said there was a constitutional right of assembly and “that would be a step too far”. He granted bail in Mr Keogh’s bond of €300, with no cash lodgment required, but he must sign on at his local garda station once a week. After noting he was employed, he also granted free legal aid to Mr Keogh.

There were no bail objections in Mr McMahon’s case, and his case was adjourned to the same date. Judge Mitchell ordered disclosure of prosecution evidence to their solicitor and remanded them on bail to appear in court again on October 11 to indicate how they intend to plead.