Dublin rioters could face jail terms of up to 12 years, justice minister says

The Irish justice minister has said there could be prison sentences of up to 12 years for attacking gardaí after rioting in Dublin.

Helen McEntee described it as a “very volatile situation”.

She said there would be a very strong gardaí presence in Dublin after the violent scenes that took place on Thursday after a knife attack outside a school.

“A number were intent on causing nothing but havoc, on looting, on rioting and causing disruption and they will be dealt with appropriately,” she told RTÉ.

“Thirty-four people have been arrested. They will, for the most part, be before the court today. There are thousands of hours of CCTV footage that gardaí will go through. Many didn’t cover their faces: that CCTV will be gone through and they will be apprehended and they will be brought before the courts as well.

“We have very, very strong legislation: up to 10 years in prison with up to 12 years as well for someone who assaulted a member of An Garda Síochána.”