Fresh charges brought against two men accused in connection with Dublin riots

Tom Tuite

Fresh charges for committing riot have been brought against two men already accused of serious offences during the massive outbreak of violence, looting and arson in Dublin city centre last year.

The incidents on November 23rd were among the most serious and "largest scenes of public disorder that has ever occurred in the history of the State", Dublin District Court heard.

The violent scenes broke out after three children and a woman were injured in a knife attack on Parnell Square.

Declan Donaghey (27), from William's Place, Upper Dorset Street, Dublin 1, and Kyle Lawrence (18), of Lurgan Street, Dublin 7, appeared in court charged in relation to alleged offences during the riots, and were granted bail with a range of conditions in January.

Mr Donaghey was initially accused of four offences at Parnell Street. These include arson, by setting fire to a marked Garda vehicle, criminal damage relating to another Garda vehicle and throwing an object through the glass window of a business, and violent disorder.

It has been alleged Mr Donaghey "set fire to a marked Garda patrol vehicle at Parnell Street at 6.45 pm", and it was further claimed: "This was the first vehicle set alight, and it is the position of investigating gardaí that this act also contributed to further acts of arson throughout the evening."

Mr Lawrence was originally charged with five counts of burglary at Footlocker, Arnotts, JD Sports, Lifestyle, and Asics, and two counts of violent disorder at Parnell Street and O'Connell Street.

The teenager, who is on an educational course, was also accused of attempted criminal damage at Penneys on Mary Street, and two further acts of attempted criminal damage.

The pair appears before Dublin District Court again on Thursday, when Judge Monika Leech heard gardaí had brought additional charges against them.

Riot

Both are now also accused that they "committed riot with persons unknown" at O'Connell Bridge on November 23rd, contrary to section 14 of the Public Order Act.

Mr Lawrence had a second additional charge brought against for causing criminal damage at Arnotts on Henry Street.

Garda Detectives Michelle Fitzpatrick and Alan O'Toole said the pair "made no reply" to the new charges.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has directed trial on indictment in the Circuit Court, which has broader sentencing powers.

Judge Leech ordered the two men, who have yet to enter pleas, to appear again at the District Court on June 10th to be served with books of evidence.

Legal aid was granted in both cases.