TD Paul Murphy sent forward for trial accused of false imprisonment of Tánaiste

Anti Austerity Alliance TD, Paul Murphy talks to media after being sent forward for trial to Circuit Court. @rtenews pic.twitter.com/o5l0VbeBvy

— Órla O'Donnell (@Orlaodo) December 14, 2015

She and her team had been attempting to travel by car to St Thomas' Church, a short distance away, for the rest of the ceremony when it is alleged violence broke out.

The TD and 17 other people from Dublin appeared before Judge Michael Walsh at Dublin District Court today to be served with books of evidence.

They face a variety of charges which include false imprisonment of Joan Burton and her political advisor Karen O'Connell, violent disorder and criminal damage to garda cars, at Fortunestown Road.

State solicitor Rachel Joyce said the DPP directed "trial on indictment" meaning the case will go before a judge and jury in the circuit court which has can impose lengthier sentences.

Books of evidence were handed over by Det Gda Paul Smith of Tallaght station.

Solicitor Michael Finucane, applying for legal aid, told the court that one of his clients who is charged with false imprisonment could “get life potentially”.

The DPP consented to them being returned for trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court where they will face their next hearing on January 22.

Judge Walsh made the order sending them forward for trial and warned them that if they intended to rely on alibis they must inform the prosecution within 14 days.

Deputy Murphy (aged 32) with an address at The Copse, Woodpark, Ballinteer, Dublin, replied “yes” when asked if he understood.

There was no objection to the 18 defendants remaining on bail pending trial.

They have not yet entered pleas, however Murphy has told reporters he intends to fight the case.

Legal aid was granted in most of the cases. Barrister Stephen McCrea, who acts for some of the defendants, said the case related to freedom of speech and right to protest.

Deputy Murphy's co-defendants face a variety of charges.

• Thomas Kelly (aged 33) from Cushlawn Dale, Tallaght faces two counts of false imprisonment and one of violent disorder.
• Anti-Austerity Alliance (AAA) councillor for south Dublin Michael Murphy (aged 51) of Whitechurch Way, Ballyboden, is accused two counts of false imprisonment.
• Ciaran Mahon, a 37-year-old AAA councillor, from Ballbrook Grove Tallaght, two counts of false imprisonment.
• Declan Kane (aged 46) from Glenshane Green Tallaght, faces two counts of false imprisonment and one for violent disorder.
• Antoinette Kane (aged 22) from Cloonemore Park, Jobstown, faces a single charge of violent disorder.
• Scot Masterson (aged 31), of Carrigmore Drive, Tallaght, is accused of two counts of false imprisonment.
• Philip Preston (aged 36) of Dromcarra Avenue, Tallaght, has two counts of false imprisonment.
• Dylan Collins (aged 20) from Bawnlee Green, Tallaght, is accused of violent disorder and criminal damage to a garda car.
• Paul Kiernan a 39-year-old with an address at Brookview Way Tallaght, has one violent disorder charge and two counts of false imprisonment.
• Carol Purcell (aged 56) from Kiltalown Green Tallaght, also has one violent disorder charge and two counts of false imprisonment.
• Ken Purcell (aged 49) who has the same address has two false imprisonment charges.
• Michael Banks (aged 44) with an address at Brookview Green Tallaght, also has two counts of false imprisonment.
• Frank Donaghy a retired 59-year-old man from Alpine Rise, Tallaght, is also accused of two counts of false imprisonment.
• Adam Lyons (aged 21), of Drumcairn Drive, Tallaght, has two counts of false imprisonment and one for violent disorder, and criminal damage.
• Keith Preston, a 25-year-old with an address at Sundale Lawns in Tallaght, is also facing trial on two counts of false imprisonment and one for violent disorder.
• Peter Herbert (aged 64) from Rossfield Park Tallaght also faces two charges of falsely imprisoning the Labour leader and her assistant and one for violent disorder.
• Calvin Carlyle (aged 18) from Gleann na hEorna, Tallaght is accused of violent disorder.
• Glen Carney (aged 20) of Cloonemore Park, Tallaght, who faces two counts of false imprisonment and one for violent disorder, is due to appear in court today/tomorrow (TUE) to be served with a book of evidence.

Six other youths aged from 14 to 17 face separate proceedings Dublin Children's Court on a variety of charges including criminal damage and violent disorder.

One of them faces two counts of false imprisonment of Tánaiste Joan Bruton and her political advisor Karen O'Connell.

Their cases will resume in the new year.