Irish Water protester to go on trial in June

A protester charged with obstructing Irish Water will go on trial in June.

Stephen Bennett (44), of Pearse Green Sallynoggin, Dublin had been charged in October under the Water Service Act 2007, for obstructing the company exercising its powers, on October 21st, 2014, at Villa Park Gardens, Cabra, Dublin 7.

His legal team have claimed this is a test case and among the first prosecutions brought under the Water Service Act.

The case is to be dealt with at district court level where it can result in a maximum €5,000 fine as well as a possible jail term of up to three months.

Judge Anthony Halpin ordered the trial at Dublin District Court trial would take place on June 17th. Mr Bennett, who contests the charge, was remanded on continuing bail.

Earlier the court had ordered disclosure of video evidence, footage on camcorders of Irish Water workers, to the defence.

Previously, his lawyer had said this was a test case which raised constitutional arguments.