Man denies attacking clamper with crowbar in Dublin

A 58-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to attacking a clamper with a crowbar in Dublin.

John Purdue from Belcamp Avenue, Priorswood, Dublin, is charged with assault causing harm and will face trial in January.

He appeared at Dublin District Court before Judge Colin Daly who asked to hear an outline of the allegations to decide on his trial venue.

The judge heard it was alleged that on September 12th last year there had been an attempt to clamp a van at Northern Cross on the Malahide Road.

It was alleged the defendant became aggressive and got in the van and came out with a crowbar and lunged at the alleged injured party.

There was a struggle and the complainant’s knee was struck, the court heard. The judge was told that the man’s knee was sore and tender afterwards but there were no long-term injuries.

The judge accepted jurisdiction for the case to be dealt with at District Court level.

In the District Court, a conviction for the assault causing harm charge can result in a 12-month sentence and a fine.