Ireland Covid lockdown barbecue host's case sent to High Court on legal questions
On April 25th, 2020, about 20 people attended an open-air barbecue party at a yard in Lacken, Kilshane, Co Tipperary, during the Covid lockdown. When gardaí arrived at about 11.30pm, the alleged host, Luke Kinnane, a man, was the only person who remained. Mr Kinnane was charged with breaching the Covid regulations introduced under the Health Act 1947 and denied the charge before the District Court, where the judge referred a number of legal questions to the High Court before the hearing could proceed. The latest reported development, on July 19th, 2023, is a High Court ruling that the District judge had power to amend the charge sheet, with the decision on whether to amend left to that judge.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court19 Jul
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- About 20 people attended an open-air barbecue party during the Covid lockdown.
- Where
- The party was held at a yard in Lacken, Kilshane, Co Tipperary.
- When
- The party took place on April 25th, 2020.
- Investigation
- Two gardaí went to the yard after a call about a party and arrived at about 11.30pm.
- About 20 people fled on foot into adjoining farmland as gardaí arrived, leaving Mr Kinnane as the only person to remain.
- Other details
- A garda said Mr Kinnane was intoxicated.
- Mr Kinnane declined to identify who had been present at the party.
- Mr Kinnane allegedly told gardaí it was a private party on private property and that officers did not have permission to attend.
- Charges
- Mr Kinnane is accused of breaching the Covid regulations introduced under the Health Act 1947.
- In court
- Mr Kinnane denied the charge before the District Court.
- The District judge decided to refer a number of legal questions to the High Court before proceeding further with the hearing.
- The High Court ruled that the District judge had the power to amend the charge sheet.
- Whether the District judge should amend the charge sheet is a matter for that judge.
13 statements extracted from the articles
- whereThe party was held at a yard in Lacken, Kilshane, Co Tipperary. (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe party took place on April 25th, 2020. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationTwo gardaí went to the yard after a call about a party and arrived at about 11.30pm. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationMr Kinnane was the only person to remain when gardaí arrived. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeMr Kinnane is accused of breaching the Covid regulations introduced under the Health Act 1947. (irishtimes.com)
- courtMr Kinnane denied the charge before the District Court. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe District judge decided to refer a number of legal questions to the High Court. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe High Court ruled that the District judge had the power to amend the charge sheet. (irishtimes.com)
- courtWhether the District judge should amend the charge sheet is a matter for that judge. (irishtimes.com)
- otherAbout 20 people attended the open-air barbecue party during the Covid lockdown. (irishtimes.com)
- otherAbout 20 people fled on foot into adjoining farmland as gardaí arrived. (irishtimes.com)
- otherA garda said Mr Kinnane was intoxicated. (irishtimes.com)
- otherMr Kinnane declined to identify who had been present at the party. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 19 Jul2023Lockdown barbecue’s alleged host met gardaí alone after 20 people fled into fields, court hears
Covers a High Court ruling on legal questions referred from the District Court, including that the District judge had power to amend the charge sheet. Describes the party, the garda response and Mr Kinnane's denial of the charge.
accused, Luke Kinnane, named, irish (judged from name)Luke Kinnane