Three before Dundalk court after cross border convoy against Covid restrictions

Three people who took part in a cross border convoy against Covid restrictions were prosecuted at Dundalk District Court last week.

They included high profile anti-vaxxer Dolores Webster, also known as Dee Wall and all three were summoned for breaking movement of persons regulations.

In the first case, the investigating Garda explained that gardaí became aware of a protest convoy on the M1 having crossed the border and been turned back by the PSNI on Sunday January 10th 2021.

A checkpoint was subsequently put in place at Major's Hollow and the garda said that when Brigid Whelan of Donomore Park, Tallaght, Dublin 24 was asked for her reason for travel, she said it was for legal matters but would not discuss what.

Judge Eirinn McKiernan imposed a €105 fine.

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When her case was called, Dolores Webster of Muskery Road, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10 told the court "I have every bit of proof here" and the 66 year old produced a document from her folder which she handed in.

After reading it, Judge McKiernan said "On that basis, I'll strike out".

The court heard Ms. Webster's co-accused Paul Kinsella of The Vilas, Clonroche, Enniscorthy, Wexford drove through the garda checkpoint after a garda put up their hand to stop the vehicle.

The prosecuting garda said he got a very hostile reception when he stopped Mr. Kinsella.

The 53 year old told the court "I'm Ms Webster's camera man. I should be in her affidavit." He claimed he was exempt from the travel restrictions as a digital editor for the Over Dee Wall website.

However, Judge McKiernan told him that was a very difficult time for everybody and especially difficult for gardai who were given an extremely difficult job.

The Garda told the court that the checkpoint had lasted for 15 to 20 minutes and they had the opportunity to show press privileges, but had not done so.

The case was struck out, after in response to the Judge asking if he would apologise, Mr. Kinsella replied "I don't recall being unreasonable with the guard.”

And he added, “If he feels I was abusive to him I apologise, absolutely".