A man has appeared in court accused of throwing a firework and two glass bottles during last weekend’s anti-lockdown protest in Dublin.
It’s alleged 30-year-old Jake Merriman of Meadowlands Avenue in Dun Laoghaire threw items at gardai when violence erupted.
Detective Sgt Patrick Traynor told the court this morning that the accused was present at a protest on Graton Street on Saturday when violence erupted.
He said it’s alleged the accused discharged an ‘8 shot cannon firework' at Gardai.
It’s also alleged he threw two glass bottles at gardai in separate incidents.
Judge Brian O’Shea refused jurisdiction saying the case was too serious to be dealt with at the district court.
He granted the accused free legal aid after being told he had a ‘power washing business’ but is currently on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment.
Jake Merriman was granted bail with a number of conditions – including that he stay away from Grafton Street and he keeps the peace.
He’s due back in court next month.
*Reporting by Stephanie Rohan
