Man in court over alleged attack on High Court judge

A 23-year-old Dublin man has been charged with attacking a senior judge and a security guard during an incident outside the Four Courts on Sunday last.

Gardai from the Bridewell station were called to the court building on Sunday afternoon (December 1st) and arrested a young male in connection with an alleged assault on Mr Justice Anthony Barr and a security man.

Judge Barr was appointed to the High Court last June having previously worked for six years as a senior counsel at the Morris tribunal into Garda irregularities in Co Donegal.

Eoin McGinn from Liscarne Gardens, Clondalkin, appeared at Dublin District Court today to face three charges in connection with the alleged incident.

He is accused of getting into the Anthony Barr’s car at Inns Quay, contrary to Section 113 of the Road Traffic Act.

He is also facing connected charges for attacking the judge contrary to Section 2 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Persons Act as well as a more serious allegation of assault causing harm to the security guard at the same location.

A Garda Sergeant told Judge Ann Ryan that evidence of the 23-year-old man's arrest, charge and caution was being furnished by way of a certificate which lodged in court.

Judge Ryan was told the prosecution was seeking time to obtain directions from the DPP as they were not yet available.

Defence solicitor Michael Hanahoe consented to the adjournment and was also granted an order for copies of CCTV evidence from the location of the alleged incident to be made available to him ahead of the next hearing.

Mr McGinn, who was wearing green trousers, a blue top and blue runners, did not address the court and there has been no indication yet as to how he intends to plead.

A statement of his means was also handed in to court and there was no objection to free legal aid being granted after the judge was told that the 23-year-old man has a job and is an apprentice.

There has been no objection to bail and the 23-year-old was remanded to appear again in January.