THREE Dublin anti-drugs activists accused of grievous bodily harm have been returned for trial even though the alleged victim has retracted his evidence.
Mr Michael Warner (40), of Knockmore Park; Mr Denis Brunt (42), of Dunamore Park; and Mr Cecil Johnston (40), of Dunamore Crescent; all of Killinarden, Tallaght, are accused of assaulting Mr Liam Gannon at Dunamore Avenue on October 8th, 1996.
State solicitor Ms Claire Galligan told Dublin District
Court yesterday that the State was not seeking a trial as the alleged victim had changed his statement during depositions at a previous remand hearing.
However, Judge Timothy Crowley said he believed Mr Gannon was "intimidated". He said he was still empowered to return the men for trial on the basis of the original statement.
Det Sgt Tony Healy said anti-drugs marches in the area had ceased since the defendants were charged and there was no evidence they were involved in intimidation.
Judge Crowley remanded the three on bail of Pounds 3,000, to appear before the present sittings of the Circuit Criminal Court.