A man found himself in trouble after getting involved in a protest near the former Crown Paints site in Dublin. Christopher Kirwan, 56, was fined €500 for breaching the peace and failing to leave when asked by gardaí. The protest stemmed from the Government’s decision to use the site for housing international protection applicants.
Despite having previous convictions, Kirwan’s defense argued that he was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time and got caught up in the situation. He had no intention of causing trouble and was only trying to go home when he was arrested.
Judge Michael Ramsey showed leniency towards Kirwan, acknowledging his health issues and ordering him to pay the fine within three months. While the incident may have been a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, it serves as a reminder to be mindful of our actions, especially in volatile situations.