Not guilty plea indicated by Cork library protestor who faces charges including possession of a knife

A not guilty plea was indicated today by a man protesting over LGBTQ+ reading material at Cork City Library who faces charges of possession of a knife and failing to appear in court.

Ross Lahive’s solicitor, Diarmuid Kelleher, had sought an adjournment to consider prosecution statements in the case and for consideration of whether the charges would be admitted or contested.

Now at Cork District Court, Mr Kelleher said a trial date would be required for the accused to contest the case.

Judge Mary Dorgan said at Courtroom 1 that the case should be listed at Courtroom 3 for the purpose of fixing a date for the hearing of the case. 

The case was adjourned to February 6 when it will be further adjourned to a trial date at Cork District Court.

44-year-old Ross Lahive of Church Street, Shandon Street, Cork, is charged that on September 4 he failed to appear in Cork District Court and that August 26 at Bridewell garda station, Kyrl’s Street, Cork, he did have a knife in his possession, contrary to Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act.

Judge Mary Dorgan thanked Mr Lahive for coming to court as the brief mention of the matter concluded.

An online video shows Lord Mayor Cllr. Kieran McCarthy being confronted by Ross Lahive at North Main St carnival on Saturday morning, August 26, on a matter related to the library protest. 

Mr Lahive asked Mr McCarthy if he knew who he was, and Mr McCarthy responded, "Yes, I’ve been waiting for this". 

The Lord Mayor then delivered a spirted performance of, ‘Oh What a Beautiful Morning” from the musical Oklahoma.