Man charged over disorder incident in Phoenix Park

An 18-year-old man who appeared in court charged in connection with an incident in the Phoenix Park a week ago has said it was not an attack on the gay community.

Reece Murphy, from Rowlagh Avenue in Clondalkin, Dublin 22, was brought before Dublin District Court this morning.

He faces four charges including dangerous driving at two locations in the Phoenix Park, violent disorder and production of a hammer on Monday 17 June.

His solicitor told the court his client instructed him to say in open court that he was not someone who was in any way homophobic and this “was not some sort of attack on the gay community”.

Solicitor Wayne Kenny said his client was aware that members of the media were in court and he wanted him to stress that point.

Judge Treasa Kelly remanded Mr Murphy on bail on a number of conditions including that he does not make contact through or make any reference to alleged injured parties on social media.

He is also required to surrender his passport, sign on three times a week at a garda station and observe a curfew between 11pm and 6am.

The court heard he is working as an apprentice and he was granted legal aid. He was remanded on bail until 16 September.