Man accused of violence in Phoenix Park further charged with threat to cause serious harm

Tom Tuite

A 19-year-old man accused of taking part in violence and brandishing a hammer as a weapon during an incident in Dublin's Phoenix Park has been further charged with threatening to kill or cause serious harm to a man.

Reece Murphy, of Rowlagh Avenue, Clondalkin, Dublin, was charged with violent disorder, production of a hammer as a weapon at Military Road and two counts of dangerous driving in Phoenix Park on June 17th.

The apprentice steel fabricator had been given bail with strict terms on June 24th and faced his third hearing at Dublin District Court on Tuesday.

Judge Treasa Kelly noted that a new charge for threatening to kill or cause serious harm to a male on June 17th at Military Road had been put to the accused. Also, the Director of Public Prosecutions directed "trial on indictment" in the Circuit Court, which has tougher sentencing powers.

Judge Kelly remanded the teenager, who has yet to enter a plea, on continuing bail to appear again in January for the prosecution to serve him with a book of evidence and for a return-for-trial order.

The judge acceded to a request from defence solicitor David Linehan to alter one of his client's bail terms, changing his 11pm – 6am curfew to begin at midnight instead.

At his first hearing, the defence said: "My client wishes me to mention in open court that he is not someone who is in any way homophobic, and this isn't some sort of attack on the gay community, Judge. I am instructed to say that in open court."

His other bail terms state he has to "remain out of Phoenix Park and remain contactable on a phone number he has provided.

He had surrendered his passport and was ordered to notify gardaí of any address change and must not contact witnesses.