Newbridge Man Acquitted Of Assaulting Kildare Councillor Chris Pender

Thursday, 8 May 2025 14:55

By Martin Osborne

Mr Michael Keane, also known as Michael Turner, has consistently denied the charges.

A Newbridge resident who was accused of assaulting a Kildare county councillor was acquitted of all charges yesterday at Naas Circuit Court.

It was alleged that Michael Keane, also known as Michael Turner, with an address listed as 12 Dunbyrne Court, Whitewater Apartments in Newbridge, assaulted Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender.

The incident was alleged to have taken place on April 4, 2022, at around 3.15am just outside Newbridge Garda Station.

Mr Keane has consistently denied the charges.

At a sitting of Naas District Court yesterday, he was acquitted of all charges.

More from Local News

Not Needed For Health Reasons: HSE Reponds To Possible Sale Of Teach na nDaoine Building In Kilcullen

The HSE said it conducted an internal review after the leaseholder handed back possession, and concluded that the property was “not required at present for health service delivery” in the area.
Lung Cancer Risk As Nine Out Of Ten Kildare Homes Remain Untested For Radon Gas

Parts of Kildare are officially classified as high-radon areas, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Illegal Parking In Disabled Spaces: 566 Fines Issued In Kildare-Carlow Garda Division Since January 2024

New figures show that between January 2024 and June 2025, a total of 566 fixed charge notices were issued in the Kildare/Carlow Garda Division for parking in disabled bays without a valid permit.
Only National Road Out Of Dublin "Never Upgraded": TD Presses For N81 Upgrade In Dáil

Raising the issue during a Dáil debate, Wicklow Fine Gael TD Edward Timmins cited multiple studies identifying the N81 as “one of the most dangerous roads in the country.”
Kildare North TD Aidan Farrelly Welcomes Party’s Backing Of Catherine Connolly For Áras Bid

Kildare North Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly has welcomed the move, saying Ms Connolly has been a strong voice for peace, human rights, and progressive causes.
Ex-Principal Of Leinster Senior College Loses Dismissal Case Over Grinds Venture And Shredded Diaries

An internal investigation had been launched after the school learned he was running what it considered a rival grinds business.
Blocked By Red Tape: Senator Says Councils Need Clarity On Accepting Donated Land And Buildings

Speaking in the Seanad, Senator Fiona O Loughlin said red tape is often blocking generous donations that could benefit local communities, especially in areas where facilities for arts, recreation or education are badly needed.
Crash In Dunlavin Leaves Woman Hospitalised With Serious Injuries

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage from the area between 5.30 and 6.30pm to contact Naas Garda Station or the Garda Confidential Line.