The trial of three men charged in connection with the death of a drug addict, Mr Josie Dwyer, who was attacked by anti-drug vigilantes, is due to go ahead at the Special Criminal Court today.
Yesterday the three faced a new charge of committing violent disorder in Dublin on May 14th, 1996.
The court decided that the trial of the men on charges, including the new one, should proceed despite a defence application for an adjournment.
Mr Bernard Dempsey (41), of Marrowbone Flats, Mr Stephen Carney (25), of Dolphin House, Rialto, and Mr Ronald Byrne (40), of Cremona Road, Ballyfermot, were returned from the Dublin District Court for trial at the Special Criminal Court.
They are charged with the manslaughter of Mr Dwyer (41) and with assaulting Mr Dwyer's companion, Mr Alan Byrne, on May 14th, 1996.
Mr Carney's counsel, Mr Hugh Hartnett SC, said the original charge against his client specified violent disorder at Basin Lane and he asked for time to examine the evidence the prosecution now intended to bring.
Mr George Bermingham SC, prosecuting, said the charges arose from events following a meeting of the Concerned Parents Against Drugs.
In the aftermath a number of incidents of disorder occurred, starting at Dolphin's Barn ice rink, moving to Fatima Mansions and then to Basin Lane where Mr Dwyer was assaulted and died.
Mr Bermingham submitted that all the events constituted one incident and said the indictment against several co-accused in the Circuit Criminal Court referred to Dublin and not just Basin Lane.
Counsel said all the evidence relating to the incident was already in the book of evidence, which the accused have had for some time.
Mr Justice Johnson, presiding, said the new charge was peripheral rather than central to the case, and the court would allow the case to proceed with the new charge today.