An incident in Dublin’s Phoenix Park last week involved an 18-year-old male, Reece Murphy, who brandished a hammer as a weapon and caused violent disorder, landing him with charges. Later at Dublin District Court, Murphy pleaded not guilty, asserting he did not intend to attack the gay community. The accused youth, a resident of Rowlagh Avenue, Clondalkin, and an apprentice steel fabricator by profession, was arrested on Sunday and held at Cabra Garda station before appearing in front of Judge Treasa Kelly on Monday.
His defence attorney, Wayne Kenny, clarified in court that Murphy did not harbour any homophobic sentiments, a statement expected to reduce any media frenzy. The charges against him involved the production of a hammer as a weapon at Military Road, two counts of dangerous driving in Phoenix Park on the night of June 17th, and violent disorder. Although there were initially objections to bail by Detective Garda Mark Reilly, agreement was reached under specific conditions.
Murphy was required to stay outside Phoenix Park and any other public park, mindful of the nature of the charges which took place after 10pm. Additional conditions included a curfew from 11pm to 6am and Murphy was requested to be reachable at all times via his procured phone number. After surrendering his passport, he was mandated to inform gardaí of any changes in his address.
Despite Reilly’s desire for Murphy to report daily to his local Garda station, Judge Kelly, factoring in Murphy’s lack of any previous warrant history, decided that signing in three times a week would suffice. His bail totals to €800, pending directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
In response to Detective Garda Reilly’s plea, the judge concurred to impose an additional stipulation: “to abstain from any form of direct or indirect interaction with the individuals affected or any witnesses related to this case”. This comprehensive ban also encompassed all social media platforms, including any indirect mention or physical coincidental encounters on the street. Miss Murphy was specifically informed about the limitations.
The judge pointed out the necessity for the police to secure the DPP’s guidance and called for the accused to make a subsequent court appearance on the 16th of September. The court conceded to offer legal assistance.
Attired in a grey pair of jeans and a black coat, the defendant maintained his silence throughout the trial. However, he requested his legal representative to speak in his defence to the court.