There was a scuffle outside Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after three men - including Mr Paul Ward who is accused of the murder of Veronica Guerin - made a brief appearance.
The scuffle developed when Mr Warren Dumbrell and Mr Joseph Cooper were being put into a van to return to Portlaoise Prison where they are on remand. The three men are accused of falsely imprisoning prison officers in Mountjoy Jail on January 4th, 1997 and were in court to have a date set for their trial.
The trouble began after Mr Dumbrell paused and tried to speak to a relative. He reacted angrily when prison personnel tried to stop the contact and force him into the van.
Mr Cooper also reacted and a skirmish ensued. The brief but violent scuffle involving about 12 people ended after Mr Cooper was lifted bodily off his feet and held back while Mr Dumbrell was put into the vehicle and quickly driven away.
Mr Cooper was then taken back to the holding cells until another van arrived.
Mr Dumbrell (24), Emmet Road, Inchicore and Mr Cooper (26) of Mountainview Park, Rathfarnham have both pleaded not guilty to a role in the false imprisonment of prison officers, as has Mr Ward.
Judge Frank O'Donnell earlier set April 24th next year as the trial date for the three men.