Cork woman accused of demanding return of products removed from shop due to Gaza war

Margaret Buttimer claimed what had happened was 'a crime against Jews', court heard

Margaret Buttimer pleaded not guilty at Bantry District Court to two public order charges relating to an incident on January 2 last. File Picture: Larry Cummins

A woman is to face trial over claims she refused to leave a health food store after she demanded the return of products that had been removed in relation to the war in Gaza, and that she claimed what had happened was "a crime against Jews”.

Margaret Buttimer, with an address at Perrin Inn, Glengarriff,  Co Cork, pleaded not guilty at Bantry District Court to two public order charges relating to an incident on January 2 last.

Gardaí allege that at 5.43pm that day she repeatedly demanded of staff at the Organico store in Bantry that they replace products on the shelves which had been removed by the shop due to a connection with the Gaza war.

It is also alleged she said this was a crime against Jews and that she refused to desist in her actions even after being asked to do so by a Garda.

Another charge relates to her alleged non-compliance with a Garda direction to leave the area.

Ms Buttimer, 68, was in court in Bantry where her solicitor, Flor Murphy, told Judge James McNulty  his client would be contesting the charges.

Ms Buttimer was released on continuing bail to reappear for a hearing on March 14 next. She was also granted legal aid.