Gemma O’Doherty convicted of threatening and abusive behaviour

Gemma O’Doherty has been convicted of threatening and abusive behaviour, as well as refusing to give her name and address to a garda. She was also found guilty of resisting arrest.

O’Doherty appeared at Bray District Court on Wednesday in connection with an incident on a footbridge on the N11 at Kilmacanogue, Co Wicklow on August 28th, 2020.

She was arrested in relation to the placing of banners on a pedestrian bridge over the main Dublin-Wexford road.

Gardaí­ received a number of complaints about the banners, which contained anti-facemask and anti-vaccination messages. The force decided to remove them after observing motorists swerving as a result of being distracted by the signs.

More than 30 supporters of the 53-year-old former journalist gathered outside Bray Courthouse to support O’Doherty.

She received a two-month suspended sentence and a fine of €750 for the public order offences. O’Doherty has already lodged an appeal against the conviction.

The crowd, which gathered at around 10am on Wednesday and remained until nearly 6.30pm, carried anti-vaccination placards and shouted support for O’Doherty throughout the day.

O’Doherty was applauded and cheered by her supporters as she left the court on Wednesday evening. - PA