Philip Dwyer convicted of trespass in Co Clare

Philip Dwyer, an anti-immigrant activist, has been convicted of trespass at a new direct provision center in County Clare. This incident took place in May 2023. A judge fined him €500 for his actions at the site known as Magowna House. During the court proceedings, Judge Alec Gabbett criticized Mr. Dwyer’s behavior, calling his words “unkind” and “quite unseemly.” He noted that Dwyer’s own video footage backed up the State’s case against him. The footage showed Dwyer making confrontational remarks to a Ukrainian man, claiming it was his country. Mr. Dwyer denied the trespass charge and used his video as evidence. However, Judge Gabbett stated that the video hurt Dwyer's defense. The court heard that Dwyer’s presence caused distress among staff at the center, which was supposed to be a private property. Dwyer had been part of protests against the center, where 29 applicants for International Protection were staying. He was recorded making numerous statements questioning the presence of these individuals and expressing his views on immigration. Dwyer’s lawyer, Ann Doyle, indicated that her client intends to appeal the decision. She emphasized that Dwyer did not mean to cause fear and described him as a person of integrity.