Protestor who 'intimidated' Michael Healy-Rae set to do DIY for his mum to avoid conviction

Apprentice carpenter Dean Hickson, 22, pleaded guilty

A protestor, who admitted "intimidating" TD Michael Healy-Rae, must complete a restorative justice programme, which included DIY work for his mother, to avoid a criminal conviction.

Dublin District Court heard the "distressing" incident took place when an anti-government and immigration demonstration "spiralled out of control" at Government buildings on September 20 last year.

Apprentice carpenter Dean Hickson, 22, of Griffith Parade, Finglas East, Dublin, pleaded guilty earlier to intimidating the Kerry politician at Leinster House, Kildare Street Dublin 2. Judge Paula Murphy heard he was sorry and never wanted to attend another protest.

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He participated in a programme under the Probation Service for several months, as directed by the court, to show he understood the ramifications of his actions.

Successful completion can result in a first-time offender avoiding a criminal record and a sentence. Today, noting from a report that Hickson had completed most of the programme, which included a donation to an animal welfare charity and DIY work for his mother.

She adjourned finalising the case until February so he would carry out more community work assigned as part of the restorative justice scheme. About 200 people had protested outside Leinster House as the Dáil resumed following the summer recess.

It led to several arrests, and afterwards, the independent TD condemned the conduct of some protesters as he and an office intern tried to leave the area. Garda Chloe Rochfort arrested Hickson, and due to the guilty plea, Healy-Rae was not required to testify in court.

In mitigation, defence solicitor Donal Quigley said that Hickson, who has no prior criminal convictions, was attending a political protest: "He said he has never been to one before and says he will never be to one again in his life."

Earlier, the solicitor told the court, "Things spiralled out of control. It was more aggressive than he thought it would be. He is not even that politically minded."

He added that his client had been forthright and had apologised after his arrest. Garda Rochfort confirmed that happened when she charged him at Pearse Street station. Judge Murphy had said the incident was very distressing for all concerned and a very serious offence for a man with no criminal record.

"The injured party should be advised of his entitlement to attend as well. These are generally better if the parties engage so that the implications of this type of conduct can be brought home as well," the judge had said.

The DPP directed summary disposal in the District Court, which can impose a 12-month sentence and a fine, rather than a trial at the Circuit Court level, which can impose a sentence of up to five years. Judge Murphy accepted jurisdiction.

The court heard that the accused was among aggressive protesters outside Leinster House" during an anti-government, anti-immigration protest.

The CCTV footage captured him "throwing a plastic bottle in the direction of Michael Healy Rae, narrowly missing his head". Gardai identified the accused from the video evidence "as he physically impeded Michael Healy-Rae from entering Government buildings, which is his place of work".

At a preliminary hearing in February, his solicitor told the judge that his client maintained "he did not block anyone going in or out". However, he later admitted the offence and the politician was not required to come to court.

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