A protester has avoided a jail sentence for “intimidating” politician Michael Healy-Rae after a judge found he satisfactorily completed a restorative justice programme.
Dean Hickson (22), an apprentice carpenter from Griffith Parade, Finglas East, pleaded guilty at Dublin District Court to intimidating the Kerry TD at Leinster House, Kildare Street on September 20th, 2023.
The incident happened during an anti-government and anti-immigration demonstration outside the Oireachtas.
Defence solicitor Donal Quigley previously told the court Hickson, who had no prior convictions, was attending a political protest when “things spiralled out of control”.
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“It was more aggressive than he thought it would be. He is not even that politically minded,” Mr Quigley said.
The court heard CCTV footage captured Hickson “throwing a plastic bottle in the direction of Michael Healy-Rae, narrowly missing his head”.
Gardaí also identified him in footage in which “he physically impeded” Mr Healy-Rae from entering his place of work.
Judge Paula Murphy heard Hickson was sorry and never wanted to attend another protest.
After pleading guilty the defendant was directed by the court to participate in a programme under the Probation Service 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.
Following a three-month adjournment, Judge Murphy noted from a report that Hickson had completed the programme and the work assigned to him. He had also donated a sum to charity and wrote an apology letter for Mr Healy-Rae, who was not required to come to court or give evidence.
Asked by the judge what he had learned from the process, he replied: “Just won’t do it again.”
Judge Murphy applied the Probation of Offenders Act, telling Hickson she was giving him an opportunity.
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