Ireland Finglas man fined €350 over Leinster House protest
On September 20th, 2023, about 200 protesters held a rally outside Leinster House on Molesworth Street, Dublin, as the Dáil resumed, and several arrests followed. Philip Keogh, a 45-year-old man from Finglas, faced Public Order Act charges for threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour and obstructing gardaí, which he denied, and Garda Sean Murphy gave evidence that Keogh interfered with an arrest. Darryl McMahon, a 48-year-old man, was also arrested at the protest and is accused of threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour and failing to comply with a garda's direction to leave the vicinity, which he denies, with his hearing set for January. Keogh had a hearing at Dublin District Court, where on December 19th, 2023, Judge Susan Fay convicted him and fined him €350, to be paid within four months.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Verdictnot reported
- Sentenced19 Dec
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Garda Murphy alleged Keogh interfered with an arrest by placing himself between gardaí and the arrested man.
- Garda Murphy alleged Keogh called gardaí scumbags, made threats and shouted.
- Garda Murphy said Keogh lashed out when he was pulled back, but Keogh denied lashing out and said he was trying to protect his face after feeling a garda's elbow on his back.
- Where
- The protest took place outside Leinster House at Molesworth Street, Dublin.
- When
- The incident occurred on September 20th, 2023.
- Cause
- About 200 protesters held a rally outside Leinster House as the Dáil resumed after the summer recess, leading to several arrests.
- Charges
- Keogh faced Public Order Act charges for threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour and obstructing gardaí, which he denied.
- Darryl McMahon is accused of threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour and failing to comply with a garda's direction to leave the vicinity, and he denies the charges.
- In court
- Keogh accepted using the word scumbags, citing freedom of speech, and faced a hearing at Dublin District Court.
- McMahon's hearing will take place in January.
- Sentence
- Judge Susan Fay convicted Keogh and fined him €350, to be paid within four months.
- Other details
- Keogh has ten prior convictions for public order, motoring and a minor assault between 1995 and 2004.
15 statements extracted from the articles
- whatGarda Murphy alleged Keogh interfered with an arrest by placing himself between gardaí and the arrested man. (irishtimes.com)
- whatGarda Murphy alleged Keogh called gardaí scumbags and made threats and shouted. (irishtimes.com)
- whatGarda Murphy said Keogh lashed out when he was pulled back. (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe protest took place outside Leinster House at Molesworth Street. (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe incident occurred on September 20th. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeKeogh faced Public Order Act charges for threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour and obstructing gardaí. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeDarryl McMahon is accused of threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour and failing to comply with a garda’s direction to leave the vicinity. (irishtimes.com)
- courtKeogh denied the charges and faced a hearing at Dublin District Court. (irishtimes.com)
- courtKeogh accepted using the word scumbags, citing freedom of speech. (irishtimes.com)
- courtMcMahon denies the charges and his hearing will take place in January. (irishtimes.com)
- sentenceJudge Susan Fay convicted Keogh. (irishtimes.com)
- sentenceKeogh was fined €350, to be paid within four months. (irishtimes.com)
- otherAbout 200 protesters held a rally outside Leinster House as the Dáil resumed, leading to several arrests. (irishtimes.com)
- otherKeogh denied lashing out at gardaí and said he was trying to protect his face after feeling a garda’s elbow on his back. (irishtimes.com)
- otherKeogh has ten prior convictions for public order, motoring and a minor assault between 1995 and 2004. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 19 Dec2023Finglas man who ‘lashed out’ at gardaí during Leinster House protest avoids jail
Court report on the conviction and €350 fine for Philip Keogh; also reports that Darryl McMahon, arrested at the same protest, is accused and denies the charges.
convicted, Philip Keogh, 45, male, named, irish (judged from name)Philip Keoghaccused, Darryl McMahon, 48, male, named, irish (judged from name)Darryl McMahon