Dublin riots: Some of 32 charged with having knuckle duster, stealing vodka and a hoodie

One of the accused told the court that he 'literally just accepted a job yesterday'

A bus set on fire on Dublin's O'Connell Street on Thursday night. It took some time before gardaí restored order to the streets of Dublin, with the disorder focused on the Parnell Square, Parnell Street and O’Connell Street areas. Picture: Stephen Collins/Collins Dublin

Over 30 people appeared in court on Friday at Dublin District Court on a range of public order and theft charges in relation to the Dublin city centre disturbances on Thursday evening.

A riot ensued in the capital just hours after a stabbing incident outside a city school which left a girl, 5, and a woman, 30s, in a serious condition in hospital.

It took some time before gardaí restored order to the streets of Dublin, with the disorder focused on the Parnell Square, Parnell Street and O’Connell Street areas.

The 28 men and four women appeared before three different courts at the Criminal Courts of Justice on Friday, charged with a range of public order and theft offences. At least three men faced charges under the misuse of drugs act. The items allegedly stolen included clothing, cigarettes, a bottle of vodka and cash.

As well as addresses in the city, the accused had listed addresses in other areas such as Celbridge in Co Kildare, Ballybrack, Tallaght and Swords. They were aged in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.

Gardaí sought a range of bail conditions. In many cases, judges granted conditions such as the accused having to stay away from the city centre areas of Dublin 1 and Dublin 2. Some were given a curfew to observe while all were told to reside at their stated residence until their next appearance.

In most cases, the charges can be dealt with summarily in the District Court. Bail was granted and the accused told they would have to signal how they would plead at a later date. Gardaí indicated in some cases that further charges could be brought against some of the individuals.

They were almost all given dates to reappear in court in January and February.

Some of the charges

Those who appeared in court included Gavin Doyle, 27. Wearing a black Nike hoody, with an address at Ridgewood Green in Swords, he was charged with breaches of section 6 of the public order act, told the court that he “literally just accepted a job yesterday”.

As part of his bail terms, he was told to reside at his address and stay away from Dublin 1 and Dublin 2. One day a week, he is permitted to pass through these areas as he volunteers at a hospital supporting mental health patients, the court heard. He is due to reappear before the court on January 19.

Jamie Robinson, 23, of Windmill Avenue, Crumlin, was charged with possessing stolen property — a Puma hoodie, socks and eight boxes of cigarettes, at Parnell Street. 

Judge Bryan Smyth granted bail on condition Mr Robinson signs on three times weekly at a Garda station and observes a curfew. Mr Robinson was remanded on bail to January 5, when he will be expected to indicate a plea.

Aaron Brophy, 32, of Brendan Behan Court, Dublin 1, was charged with possession of stolen property — €440 cash, three boxes of John Player Blue cigarettes, and four packets of cigarette skins — on Parnell Street.

Under conditions, Mr Brophy must stay off Parnell Street and keep a curfew. Mr Brophy was remanded in custody with consent to bail to Cloverhill District Court on December 1.

Josh Brophy, 34, of no fixed address was charged with possession of a knuckle duster as a weapon, intended to unlawfully to cause injury to, incapacitate or intimidate another, on Parnell Street.

He was granted bail with no garda objection. Under conditions, he must sign on three times weekly at a garda station, stay off Parnell Street and obey a curfew. No cash was required.

Sgt Lynch said DPP directions would be required in the case. Judge Smyth granted free legal aid before remanding Mr Brophy on bail to February 16 next year.

David Moffatt, 45, of Moyne Road, Ranelagh, was charged with threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour at O’Connell Bridge. Under bail conditions, he is to stay out of Dublin 1 and 2, observe a curfew and not partake in any violent protest or large gathering.

Mr Moffat was not brought into court after the judge was told he had soiled himself in the cells. There was a possibility of further charges in his case and he was remanded on bail to February 2. Legal aid was granted.