Two Irish mothers accused of breaking Covid rules by not complying with quarantine laws after a ‘boob job’ trip to Dubai have walked free from court.
Kirstie McGrath, 34, and Niamh Mulreany, 29, both from Dublin were arrested upon their return from the United Arab Emirates on April 2, 2021.
The duo claimed they had travelled to the Middle Eastern country to undergo cosmetic surgery, but later did not go through with the procedure.
However upon their return to Ireland they refused to stay at a designated hotel for a mandatory 14 days quarantine, despite having pre-booked their rooms.
As such, McGrath and Mulreany were charged with breaching Health (Amendment) Act, a law temporarily brought into force during COVID-19, and faced a fine of €2,000 (£1,714.10) as well as a month behind bars.
In an attempt to bring criminal proceedings to an end, the two later challenged the constitutionality of the law, but it was later dismissed at the Supreme Court in September.
However, the criminal case against the mothers was also dismissed yesterday following a four-year legal battle, after Judge John Hughes ruled it had not been explained to the women they could face criminal punishment for violating quarantine rules.
Elaborating on his ruling, the Judge said there was no evidence to suggest the penalties of the ‘complex and complicated’ quarantine law had been explained to McGrath and Mulreany, which is required in line with Irish legislation.
Kirstie McGrath pictured in a white hoodie and pink joggers at Tallaght District Courtin 2021
Niamh Mulreany pictured in multicoloured joggers and a light pink hoodie outside of Tallaght district court in 2021
He told the court that when the power of compulsion is enacted, Garda must inform an individual that failing to obey can result in criminal conviction as well as penalties, in line with the Public Order Act.
Garda Karl Carroll told the court that he had spent 90 minutes discussing the rules with the two women upon their arrival at the Irish airport.
In accordance with Mark Lynam SC, defending, the officer said the duo had pre-booked accommodation at the hotel.
But Carroll explained McGrath and Mulreany refused to go to the hotel after returning from the Middle Eastern country.
Garda Robert Barba, who was also present, told the court the women said they would prefer to be arrested, while alleging ‘the people minding their children would not be able to keep minding them for much longer.’
He added that the duo refused to reconsider and there was no other option ‘but to arrest them’.
Mark Lynam, defending (instructed by solicitor Michael French), told the court that neither of his clients had committed an offence, arguing that there was no evidence to suggest that the UAE fell under the COVID-19 restrictions.
He also argued there was no evidence to say his clients were resisting the quarantine law.
Judge John Hughes dismissed their criminal case, ruling had not been explained to the women they could face criminal punishment for violating quarantine rules (Pictured: Kirstie McGrath)
Neither McGrath nor Mulreany spoke during the hearing or gave evidence, and they smiled after they were acquitted (Pictured: Niamh Mulreany)
He also contested that the duo should have been detained in a bid to get them to their hotel, and then prosecuted if they failed to comply at that point.
Neither McGrath nor Mulreany spoke during the hearing or gave evidence, and they smiled after they were acquitted, according to the Irish Mirror.
The pair were initially remanded in custody with their bail set at €2,800, but the terms were changed by the High Court the next day.
The two then stayed in a quarantine hotel for ten days before being able to go back to their respective homes.
McGrath and Mulreany have always denied the charges. It was also heard they had three negative PCR test a week prior to their return to Ireland.
