Man on disability benefit charged with Phoenix Park gig assault
A 22-year-old man on disability benefit has been charged with attacking an off-duty garda at the Swedish House Mafia concert in the Phoenix Park in Dublin in July.
Sean Hulgrain, with an address at Thornfield Square Clondalkin, was charged at Dublin District Court today with assault causing harm to Wayne Keown, at the outdoor concert on July 7 which was attended by about 45,000 people.
Judge Bryan Smyth was told that there was not objection to bail and directions from the DPP are being sought.
Mr Hulgrain, who has not yet indicated how he will plead to the charge, spoke once during the hearing to confirm that he has a solicitor.
Judge Smyth ordered him to appear again on December 12 next and remanded him on bail in his own bond of €500, which did not require a cash lodgement. Legal aid was also granted.
Several bail conditions were set; Mr Hulgrain was told that he must continue to reside at his current address and notify gardaí of any change; he has to sign on every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Clondalkin Garda station; and he must not have any contact “directly or indirectly” with the complainant or two named witnesses.
It is the second assault case to be brought in connection with violence at the concert.
Another 22-year-old man, Raymond Donnan from Greenfort Crescent Clondalkin, was charged earlier with assault causing harm to Andrew England (aged 28) – a tourist from the Isle of Man who suffered multiple stab wounds– as well as production of a knife in the course of a dispute, violent disorder, breach of the peace and being intoxicated in public, at the Phoenix Park. Last week, he was ordered to appear again on November 23 next pending directions from the DPP.
The controversial dance gig also featured Tinie Tempah and Calvin Harris on its line-up. More than 30 arrests were made on the night of the concert which was marred by a litany of incidents including public order offences, assaults and drugs seizures. Two men who had been at the concert also died after they fell ill.
On August 2, a Garda report into the events at the concert found that the Phoenix Park is not a suitable venue for “outdoor electric music concerts”. The report also found that gardaí warned the music promoters MCD before the event that they had concerns about alcohol sales, gate opening times and stewarding.
Afterwards MCD criticised how An Garda Siochana policed the event and the number of their officers they had on duty at the concert.
