The Central Criminal Court heard details yesterday of events at two Dublin “toss schools” during the trial of three young men. One of the accused, Laurence Campion, was acquitted by direction of Mr. Justice Conor Maguire, who deemed it unsafe to convict him.

The accused—James Haddock (23) of Asl Street, Laurence Campion (24), a labourer from McDowdall Avenue, Mount Brown, and Thomas Reid (21), a carter from Slievemore Road, Crumlin—were charged with conspiracy, wounding with intent, robbery with violence, and larceny. The alleged victims were Patrick Morrin of Poddle Park, Kimmage, and Michael Pidgeon of Kildare Road, Kimmage.

Raid on “Toss Schools”

Mr. McEnroy, K.C., prosecuting with Mr. Murnaghan and instructed by the Chief State Solicitor, outlined the events of Sunday, March 29. The accused, along with three others, assembled in Kimmage intending to raid the “toss schools” at Green Lanes and Captain’s Lane, robbing and smashing them. The group also operated a “toss school” of their own.

At Green Lanes, a man named George Cullen, who was not before the court, took £10 from the “pool” and fled, distributing £1 each to the others. At Captain’s Lane, Cullen again took the money, leading to a confrontation where two members of the group were injured.

Testimonies

Richard Harmon, an unemployed man from Clonard Road, Crumlin, testified that Cullen led the group and scooped up the money at Captain’s Lane, resulting in a brawl. Harmon claimed Campion asked for a knife and made “a few sweeps” at Pidgeon. However, during cross-examination, Harmon admitted he did not see Reid or Haddock participate in the affray and was unsure if Campion attacked Pidgeon.

Roderick Glennon of Larkfield Park saw Cullen playing with a knife before the fight broke out at Captain’s Lane. Michael Foley of Terenure Road corroborated this, noting that Cullen concealed a knife up his sleeve at Green Lanes.

Nicholas Brady, a gardener from Poddle Park, testified about the melee at Captain’s Lane, where several men attacked someone attempting to grab the money. He was struck with what seemed to be a knuckle-duster, but Cullen did not use the knife.

Patrick Morrin of Poddle Park stated he was stabbed in the shoulder from behind while trying to pick up the money, but he did not believe Cullen was the assailant. Michael Pidgeon believed Campion stabbed him but admitted to having doubts.

Defense and Verdict

James Haddock testified that Cullen, who controlled the “toss school” at Sundrive Road, recruited him to raid Green Lanes. Haddock claimed he was unaware of Cullen’s intentions and denied participating in any violence or receiving any money.

The trial continues today, with the remaining charges against the other accused under review.