'violent disorder' Teenager is sent for trial after mass brawl at maternity hospital

A TEENAGER has been sent for trial accused of taking part in a violent mass brawl at a Dublin maternity hospital where a woman had clumps of hair torn from her scalp.

The woman and a man tried to take "sanctuary" in the Rotunda from a group of attackers who followed them in and beat them in front of frightened staff and patients, it is alleged.

Bernadette Donovan (18) had a book of evidence served on her at Dublin District Court.

Judge Bryan Smyth sent her forward for trial to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Ms Donovan, with an address at a hostel on Gardiner Street in the city centre, is charged with violent disorder with others on December 16, 2018.

The DPP had consented to the case being dealt with in the district court but Judge Smyth refused jurisdiction after hearing the allegations.

The court was told gardaí were called to the Rotunda and found a large number of people in the reception area.

They saw blood on the floor, as well as clumps of human hair and smashed bottles.

A man and woman had visible injuries and were being attended to by hospital staff.

They had been waiting outside for a bus when a dispute broke out between them and a another group of people.

The man and woman came into the hospital seeking sanctuary and the others followed them in, punching them, it was alleged.

The incident lasted around five minutes, with staff intervening to prevent further violence, the court heard.

Staff and other hospital users were in fear for their safety during the incident.

The man had injuries to his arm and shoulder and the woman had clumps of hair pulled out.

They declined to make a complaint of assault. Ms Donovan was alleged to have been in the group that took part in the violence at the bus stop and again in the hospital.

She has not yet entered a plea.