Bail For Man Accused Of Launching Riot ‘Rocket'

30-yr-old allegedly aimed firework at cops

- Tom Tuite

A Protester accused of attacking gardai with a firework during an anti-lockdown protest was granted bail yesterday.

Jake Merriman, 30, was charged and appeared at Dublin District Court where Judge Brian O’Shea refused jurisdiction and held the case should go forward to a higher court.

Hundreds gathered on Grafton Street on Saturday to protest measures aimed at halting the spread of Covid-19.

Gardai prevented them gaining entry to St Stephen’s Green which had been closed by the Office of Public Works on Garda instructions.

A firework was allegedly discharged at the top of Grafton Street after which gardai baton-charged protesters.

The riot led to three officers being injured, 23 arrests and 13 people charged that evening with public order offences.

Footage of the chaotic scenes went viral online.