Courts

Three convicted over disruption at drag event for children at Tralee library

Ross Lahive (45) found guilty of assaulting four people and public order breach during July 2023 incident

Judge David Waters said he was certain what took place at Tralee library was 'premeditated' given the three accused had travelled in a group to attend the event organised by Kingdom Pride.
Judge David Waters said he was certain what took place at Tralee library was 'premeditated' given the three accused had travelled in a group to attend the event organised by Kingdom Pride.
Anne Lucey
Mon Dec 16 2024 - 19:15

Three people who travelled from Cork to Co Kerry to disrupt a drag story event for children at Tralee library have been convicted of public order offences and two have been found guilty of assault.

The trio had denied the charges at District Court hearings in Mallow and Tralee, during which video footage was shown of the noisy disruption of the event organised by Kingdom Pride in July of last year.

Ross Lahive (45), of Church Street, Shandon, Cork, who ran in the European elections for the Irish People Party, was convicted of assaulting four people, including a security guard and a woman, during the incident.

“There is clear evidence in relation to all four assaults,” Judge David Waters said, adding it was “beyond any doubt whatsoever” that there was also a breach of public order by Lahive.

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Margo Mills (37), of Carnloch Drive, The Glen, Cork, had denied using threatening and abusive words or behaviour, contrary to section 6 of The Public Order Act, and assaulting a woman. Judge Waters said he had no doubt about Mills using threatening and abusive behaviour during the incident and that he was also convicting her of assault.

Stephen McGeough (57), of Devonshire Street, Cork, was convicted of using threatening or insulting words and provoking a breach of the peace under the Public Order Act.

The judge said he was certain what took place was “premeditated”, given the three accused had travelled in a group to attend the event.

Eugene Manley, barrister for the three defendants, said his clients were in shock at the decision to convict them.

All three will be sentenced on Friday after five people have the opportunity to, if they wish, give victim impact statements to the court.