Two men from Dublin arrested during a protest outside the Dáil were granted bail after appearing in court on public order charges on Wednesday.
Philip Keogh (45), of Griffith Park, Finglas, and Darryl McMcMahon (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 Garda 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,” Garda Quinn said.
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 to 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.
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 lodgement required, but he must sign on at his local Garda station once a week.
After noting he was employed, the judge 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 11th to indicate how they intend to plead.
