Man charged with tram arson during Dublin riots

It is alleged that Mr Tate set a Luas tram on fire on 23 November 2023

A man has appeared in court accused of setting a tram on fire on the night of the Dublin riots last November.

John Tate, aged 61, with an address at Iveagh Trust, Kevin Street in Dublin, appeared before the Dublin District Court on Tuesday charged with six offences relating to the riots.

Disorder broke out after three children and a care worker were stabbed outside a primary school on Parnell Square East.

Just hours after the knife attack, rioters destroyed 11 police vehicles, while 13 shops were badly damaged and more were looted during clashes with riot police.

Three buses and a tram were also destroyed and several police officers were injured during more than three hours of sustained violence.

Det Sgt Eoghan Byrne told the court the riots were "an "unprecedented act of public disorder" and "a series of criminal acts that quickly escalated into a mass riot".

He said that Mr Tate made no reply to the charges of violent disorder, of arson and of obstructing a Luas tram and bus.

It was also alleged in court that the accused was the first person to break through a police cordon at Parnell Square East, and that he "encouraged, led and directed" other persons to approach the crime scene outside Gaelscoil Cholaiste Mhuire.

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It was also alleged that he had set fire to a number of bags of rubbish and placed them on the Luas tram on O'Connell Street.

Mr Tate is also charged with violent disorder and obstructing traffic, and it is alleged he threw missiles at gardaí (Irish police).

The court was told Mr Tate faces "very serious charges"

Det Sgt Byrne told the court Mr Tate was wearing "very distinguishable clothing" on the night of the riot and gardaí have footage related to the offences he is charged with.

Judge Stephanie Coggins described the alleged offences as "very serious charges arising from a very serious incident".

Mr Tate was granted bail on certain conditions, including a cash payment of €5000 (£4260).

Further bail conditions include Mr Tate signing on daily at his local Garda station, surrendering his passport, providing a phone number within 48 hours, not taking part in online activity, not attending or participating in any demonstrations, and abiding to a curfew.

Defence solicitor Cian McCann said he is not in a position to take up bail yet, he also made an application for legal aid.

Mr Tate is next due to appear at the Criminal Courts of Justice on 13 February.