The trial of four men accused of involvement in an alleged violent incident in Falsk, Strokestown, Roscommon in December 2018, will take place in Dublin.
Judge Francis Comerford granted a section 32 application to move the trial this afternoon.
Earlier this month, the DPP had asked the court to allow permission to move the trial of the four men, who are facing charges including false imprisonment, criminal damage and cruelty to animals, among others, to Dublin.
The application was made following an affidavit from Superintendent Tom Colsh, who felt adverse media attention, as well as high emotions in the area, would make having the trial in Roscommon difficult.
The application was opposed by all four defendants, with one of the accused swearing their own affidavit.
The matter was adjourned until today, when Judge Comerford read a lengthy statement for over 40 minutes where he said that a sworn jury takes their oath very seriously, and this role brings its own pressure.
He outlined that the issue involving the family at the centre of an eviction is still live, and there was a “real and substantial risk” that Roscommon jury members could be unfairly criticised or suffer “undue consequences” as a result of being on a jury.
He said a jury was entitled to respect and protection and that a jury member in Dublin would not be readily identifiable as might be the case in Roscommon.
Judge Comerford said that Dublin was the most appropriate place for the trial and directed the case be sent forward to the next sitting of Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in September.
