Man charged with detaining woman in Stephen’s Green

A Dublin man has been charged with false imprisonment of a woman at St Stephen’s Green.

Anthony Griffin (34), who is homeless, appeared at Dublin Distict Court on Wednesday following his arrest in connection with the an alleged incident on Monday afternoon.

He did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody for one week. He faces a single charge of false imprisonment of the woman, who is in her twenties, in connection with an alleged incident at St Stephen’s Green Park.

The allegation is contrary to Section 15 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

Garda Phillip Gleeson told Judge Michael Coghlan that the man, who has not yet entered a plea, had been arrested at 2.45pm on Monday. He was then taken to Pearse St Garda station where he was held for questioning under Section Four of the Criminal Justice Act. His period of detention was twice extended on Tuesday and he was charged at 12.45am on Wednesday.

Garda Glesson said that Mr Griffin, who has given an address at Drumcondra Road, “made no reply when charged”. He was then given a copy of his charge sheet.

The 34-year-old, wearing grey runners and tracksuit bottoms and a navy sweater, did not address the court during the hearing.

Defence solicitor Peter Connolly told Judge Coghlan his client was homeless and a bail application was not being made at this stage. The solicitor said he was understood that gardaí intend to object to bail.

Judge Coghlan adjourned the case which will resume at Cloverhill District Court on July 1st and he agreed to grant free legal aid to Mr Griffin. The judge also agreed to the defence solicitor’s request to direct the accused would be “medically and psychologically assessed while in custody”.

The woman is understood to have been given hospital treatment and has since been released.