Man accused of igniting tram during rioting in Dublin

A man has been brought to court for starting a fire on a tram during the Dublin riots in November.

John Tate, who is 61 years old and lives at Iveagh Trust, Kevin Street in Dublin, went to court on Tuesday. He is charged with six crimes connected to the riots.

Chaos happened when three kids and a caretaker were stabbed outside a school on Parnell Square East.

Just a few hours after the knife attack, a group of people destroyed 11 police cars and damaged 13 shops. They also stole from some of the shops during fights with the police.

Three buses and a tram were broken and many police officers were hurt during more than three hours of continuous violence.

Det Sgt Eoghan Byrne told the court that the riots were a never-before-seen act of public chaos and a lot of serious crimes that turned into a big riot very fast.

He said Mr. Tate did not respond to the accusations of causing chaos, starting a fire, and blocking a Luas tram and bus.

In court, it was claimed that the accused was the first person to go past a police line at Parnell Square East, and that he encouraged and led other people to go towards the crime scene outside Gaelscoil Cholaiste Mhuire.

It was said that he started a fire using bags of trash and put them on the Luas tram on O’Connell Street.

Mr Tate is accused of causing trouble and stopping traffic. It is said he threw things at the Irish police.

Detective Sergeant Byrne told the court that Mr. Tate was wearing very noticeable clothes on the night of the riot, and the police have video related to the crimes he is accused of.

Judge Stephanie Coggins said the alleged crimes are very serious and happened during a very serious event.

Mr Tate was allowed to leave jail if he follows certain rules, like paying €5000 in cash (around £4260).

Additional bail rules for Mr. Tate are to check in daily at the police station, give up his passport, provide a phone number within 2 days, stay off the internet, avoid protests, and follow a curfew.

Lawyer Cian McCann said he can’t get bail for his client yet, and he also asked for free legal help.

Mr Tate has to go to court on 13 February.