Ireland Charge dismissed against Andrew Heasman over St Patrick's Day parade protest
Andrew Heasman was arrested during the St Patrick's Day parade in Dublin, where protesters allegedly shouted that gardaí were facilitating paedophiles, near Ormond Quay at around noon. He was charged under Section 8 of the Public Order Act with failing to comply with a garda's direction to leave the vicinity, and he denied the charge. The case was heard at Dublin District Court before Judge John Hughes, where the garda sergeant accepted he had not stated the warning about consequences in evidence before the prosecution closed its case. Judge Hughes accepted the defence submission and dismissed the charge on 15 December 2023, which is the latest development.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Acquitted15 Dec
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Protesters allegedly shouted that gardaí were facilitating paedophiles.
- Where
- The incident took place during the St Patrick's Day parade in Dublin, at Ormond Quay in Dublin city centre.
- When
- The incident happened around noon.
- Cause
- The garda alleged protesters were disrupting the flow of traffic.
- Investigation
- Andrew Heasman was arrested and taken to Blanchardstown Garda station to be charged.
- Charges
- Andrew Heasman was charged under Section 8 of the Public Order Act for allegedly failing to comply with a garda's direction to leave the vicinity.
- Andrew Heasman denied the charge, which can result in a fine or a six-month jail sentence.
- In court
- The hearing took place before Judge John Hughes at Dublin District Court on 15 December 2023.
- The garda sergeant accepted he had not stated the warning about consequences in evidence before the prosecution closed its case.
- The defence made legal submissions through Andrew Heasman's barrister.
- Sentence
- Judge Hughes accepted the defence submission and dismissed the charge.
- Other details
- Andrew Heasman did not have to testify.
13 statements extracted from the articles
- whatProtesters allegedly shouted that gardaí were facilitating paedophiles. (thejournal.ie)
- whereThe incident took place during the St Patrick's Day parade in Dublin. (thejournal.ie)
- whereThe gardaí were dispatched to Ormond Quay in Dublin city centre. (thejournal.ie)
- whenThe incident happened around noon. (thejournal.ie)
- causeThe garda alleged protesters were disrupting the flow of traffic. (thejournal.ie)
- investigationHeasman was arrested and taken to Blanchardstown Garda station to be charged. (thejournal.ie)
- chargeHeasman was charged under Section 8 of the Public Order Act for failing to comply with a garda's direction to leave the vicinity. (thejournal.ie)
- chargeHeasman denied the charge, which can result in a fine or a six-month jail sentence. (thejournal.ie)
- courtThe hearing took place before Judge John Hughes at Dublin District Court. (thejournal.ie)
- courtThe garda sergeant accepted he had not stated the warning about consequences in evidence before the prosecution closed its case. (thejournal.ie)
- courtHeasman was cleared on a technicality after legal submissions from his barrister. (thejournal.ie)
- sentenceJudge Hughes accepted the defence submission and granted a dismissal. (thejournal.ie)
- otherHeasman did not have to testify. (thejournal.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 15 Dec2023Man shouted that gardaí were 'facilitating paedophiles' during Paddy's Day parade, court hears
The article reports the court hearing and dismissal of the charge against Andrew Heasman. The charge was dismissed on a technicality after the defence submitted that the garda had not given evidence that the warning about consequences was made.
accused, Andrew Heasman, 44, male, named, irish (judged from name)Andrew Heasman