Trial order after journalist’s phone allegedly stolen during ‘scuffle’ and violence at Crown Paints

Tom Tuite

A father of two accused of taking part in violence and a "scuffle" with a journalist at an immigration protest outside the former Crown Paints site in Dublin has been sent forward for trial.

Christopher Byrne, 27, of Marigold Crescent in Darndale, Dublin, was accused of violent disorder with others on the same occasion at the disused factory on Malahide Road in Coolock on April 6th last.

There has been turmoil in the area in response to the government's decision to use the disused factory to accommodate hundreds of international protection applicants.

The landscape and construction worker was denied bail.

He appeared again at Cloverhill District Court to be served with the prosecution's book of evidence.

Judge Mark O'Connell noted the DPP directed the case to be dealt with on indictment in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, which has broader sentencing powers. He agreed to grant a return-for-trial order and told the accused the case would be listed on November 21st next.

Legal aid has been granted to Mr Byrne, who was warned to notify prosecutors if he will rely on alibi evidence in his defence.

Gardaí must also hand over copies of video evidence to his legal representatives.

Earlier, Detective Garda Katie Lennon objected to bail, telling the court the journalist went to Coolock Garda station on April 6th to report the theft of his phone.

She alleged footage appeared on social media of a person "in a scuffle with the Newstalk journalist".

Gardai also obtained CCTV footage, the court heard.

The offences carry a maximum sentence of ten years, but Mr Byrne has yet to indicate a plea, and the case will go to a jury trial if he contests the charges.