State to clarify issues in case against man accused of using 'abusive language' towards President
The State has been given time to clarify issues raised about the case of a man accused of using “threatening and abusive language” towards the President.
Derek Byrne of Streamville Road, Kilbarrack in Dublin is alleged to have committed the public order offence at a protest outside a school in Dublin.
Derek Byrne is one of three Dublin protesters accused of using or engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace or being reckless as to whether such a breach may occur.
It is understood the alleged abuse was directed at President Michael D Higgins during a water charge protest in Finglas in January of last year.
Anna Clarke of St. Donagh’s Road in Donaghmede and Diarmuid Dubhghlais of Parc Uí Mhaoiliosa in Finglas are facing the same charge, but their lawyers have argued that the summonses are too vague and they do not know what the exact allegations are.
This morning, the State asked for more time to prepare written submissions to deal with the defence’s applications to have the cases struck out, and the matters were adjourned until next month to allow that happen.
