Garda van burns outside Citywest in west Dublin after being set on fire last October RollingNews.ie
Citywest
He had been charged with two counts of sexual assault but these no longer stand.
THE STATE HAS dropped charges against a man accused of sexual assault in Dublin last year, in a case that sparked a riot targeting people in asylum accommodation in Citywest.
The 27-year-old man, who can’t be named for legal reasons, appeared in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court by video link.
He was charged with two counts of sexual assault at a location in Dublin on 20 October 2025.
A senior counsel representing the State told Judge Martin Nolan that nolle prosequis were being entered in relation to both charges, meaning they were being withdrawn.
Judge Nolan told the man he should be released from custody. The man replied “thank you”.
Last year’s riot
The claims of sexual assault resulted in a two-hour-long standoff outside international protection accommodation, also known as an Ipas centre, in Citywest.
Dozens were arrested and three gardaí were injured amid the scenes, which also saw a garda van set alight.
It also drew attention from global right-wing media, with streamers and newsrooms from the UK, Canada and Spain all covering the scenes from the ground.
Large crowds had chanted “get them out”, referring to people in international protection accommodation who were staying in the hotel.
Missiles were directed at the uniformed gardaí at the scene, including bricks, fireworks and glass bottles.