Man (24) pleads not guilty to vandalising Dublin’s George Bar

A man has pleaded not guilty to vandalising a gay bar in central Dublin with homophobic graffiti.

Eoin Berkeley (24), from Hamptonwood Way, Finglas, is accused of criminal damage to the facade and panels at the George Bar in the city-centre in the early hours of May 20th last.

Derogatory language and a swastika had to be removed from the pub’s facade after the alleged incident.

Mr Berkeley appeared before Judge Victor Blake at Cloverhill District Court on Tuesday where defence counsel Jane Horgan-Jones confirmed the not guilty plea. A February 1st trial date has been set.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has directed summary disposal of the case. This means it would be heard in the district court and not go forward to the circuit court, which has tougher sentencing powers. Judge Blake previously said it was a "borderline case" as to which could it should be heard it.

The offence at district court level can carry a sentence of up to one year.