Tony Gregory, Joe Costello and Christy Burke all charged following a street traders' protest on Dublin's O'Connell Street.
Independent TD Tony Gregory and Joe Costello of the Prisoners Rights Association were charged with assault and obstruction. Sinn Féin councillor Christy Burke was charged with insulting and threatening behaviour. Four casual street traders were also before the court.
The arrests occurred the previous day when street traders clashed with Gardaí during a protest on O'Connell Street resulting in several arrests. Traders were protesting over the right to sell their wares on Henry Street and Mary Street. However, according to Gardaí these areas were non-designated for casual trading.
Evidence given in court stated that Gregory, Costello and Burke claimed that they had been brutally treated by Gardaí. The defendants were remanded on continuing bail. Following the hearing Deputy Gregory addressed the crowd.
You have a constitutional right to earn a living to rear your families and to provide for your families.
Following Tony Gregory's speech the crowd sang 'Molly Malone'.
An RTÉ News report by Joe O'Brien broadcast on 20 July 1985.
