Eight Limerick men facing a variety of charges including violent disorder, making threats to kill and demanding money with menaces will stand trial together in March next year.
The eight, who were arrested as part of a garda investigation in to extortion, made their second appearance today at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin.
The accused men, who have been in custody since last July, were brought before the three presiding Judges in separate groups amid a significant garda presence at the non-jury court.
Ger Dundon (aged 24), of Hyde Avenue, Ballinacurra Weston is charged with committing violent disorder at Sarsfield Avenue, Garryowen on February 17 last.
Brothers Christopher Mc Cormack (aged 27), of Mc Namara Terrace, Wolfe Tone St and David Mc Cormack (aged 25), of Crecora Avenue, Ballinacurra Weston are also charged with committing violent disorder at Sarsfield Avenue, Garryowen on the same date.
Gareth Collins Keogh (aged 27), of Hyde Avenue, Ballinacurra Weston and his father Jimmy Collins (aged 47), of Crecora Avenue, are charged with demanding money with menaces from Mark Heffernan at John Carew Park, on dates between January 29 and February 28, 2009.
The father and son are also charged with threatening to kill or cause serious harm to Mark Heffernan on October 17, 2009 at the Milk Market and with demanding money with menaces on the same date.
Gareth Collins Keogh is also charged with committing violent disorder at Sarsfield Avenue, Garryowen on February 17 last.
Christopher Mc Carthy (aged 27), of Crecora Avenue is charged with threatening to kill or cause serious harm to Mark Heffernan at the Milk Market and with demanding money with menaces on the same date.
Michael Bridgeman (aged 51) of Glenview, Ballyneety, Co Limerick is charged with threatening to kill or cause serious harm to Mark Heffernan at John Carew Park on a date between January 29, 2009 and February 12, 2010 and with demanding money with menaces.
Patrick Pickford (aged 19), of Talbot Avenue, Prospect is charged with demanding money with menaces.
State counsel Mr Tom O' Connell SC told the court that the trial, which will begin at the Special Criminal Court on March 1, is anticipated to last from three to four weeks.