A man has been sentenced to three months in prison in relation to assault and public order offences at Tralee Library.
45 year old Ross Lahive of Church Street, Shandon Street, Cork; Margo Mills of Carnloch Drive, The Glen, Cork; and Steven McGeough of Devonshire Street, Cork appeared before Tralee District Court today for sentencing.
The charges relate to an incident at Kerry Library, Moyderwell on July 13th 2023, after four protesters disrupted a story telling event billed “drag king story time”.
The event took place during Kingdom Pride, where female performers played male characters while reading stories and singing songs.
The court previously heard the accused forced their way into the library's events room, assaulted volunteers and committee members and caused public order disruptions while protesting the event.
The hearing got underway in September and over two sittings, which lasted more than 12 hours, evidence was heard from 11 witness, the three accused, while picture and video evidence was shown.
Earlier this week, 45-year-old Ross Lahive was convicted of four charges of assault and one for public order.
37 year-old Margo Mills was convicted on two counts - one for assault and one for public order; while 58 year-old Steven McGeough was convicted on one charge of public order.
At Tralee District Court today, Judge David Waters heard mitigating factors from barrister Eugene P Manley, representing Ross Lahive and Steven McGeough.
He outlined how Mr Lahive accepted emotions were high on the day. He said Mr Lahive was fully co-operative with gardaí, that he wanted to get his life back, get back to work; and he has no drugs or alcohol in his life.
Representing Margo Mills, solicitor Padraig O’Connell, outlined that his client is a married woman with a young family, a good work history, co-operated fully throughout and has never come to the attention of gardaí.
Judge Waters said based on the evidence, Ms Mills was a very willing participant in the incident.
He convicted and fined Ms Mills a total of €900 - €400 for the public order charge, and €500 for the assault charge – with one day to pay.
Judge Waters said Mr McGeough’s behaviour was clearly threatening, he convicted and fined him €400, with one day to pay.
The judge outlined the importance of the video evidence throughout this case, adding it’s clear the three accused travelled from Cork to the event with intent to confront an event for six-year-old children.
He said it was a disgraceful, violent incident with shouting, disturbing insults and the only danger at the event was the actions of the three accused.
Judge Waters sentenced Mr Lahive to three months in prison on the first assault charge, two months in prison for each of the remaining assault charges, and the public order charge to be taken in consideration.
The Judge said “with much reluctance” the sentences are to run concurrently.
An appeal has been lodged in relation to the decision to Mr Lahive, with a bond of €200 in recognizance.
