Post by Papa C. on Jul 3, 2008 15:23:48 GMT
A JUDGE threatened to jail a garda inspector for a week yesterday after accusing him of laughing in court.
Outspoken Judge John Neilan branded a remand hearing in the case of a man charged with the murder of pensioner Christy Hanley a "PR exercise" after gardai failed to produce a book of evidence.
He also accused officers involved in the high-profile case of wanting to "parade in front of the cameras".
Judge Neilan told Inspector Paul Cuttle he hoped gardai would get their photos taken outside and send them to the Commissioner's office who could then "throw darts at them" if he wanted.
Insp Cuttle sat down following the outburst, but the judge claimed he saw him laughing and said: "If necessary you can be admitted to prison for seven days." He added that Insp Cuttle's conduct would "not be tolerated".
Judge Neilan made the remarks as 46-year-old Noel Cawley of The Bree, Castleblaney, Monaghan appeared at Tullamore District Court, in Offaly charged with the murder of 83-year-old pensioner Christy Hanley at his home on Bridge Street, Kilbeggan, Co Westmeath.
Sustained
A post-mortem found Mr Hanley had sustained a number of injuries which contributed to his death.
Mr Cawley had been remanded in custody to appear at Tullamore District Court yesterday during a special sitting of Athlone District Court on June 25. Judge Neilan said Mr Cawley should have been remanded to Cloverhill District Court.
The court heard the remand to Tullamore was granted with an understanding that gardai would serve the book of evidence yesterday.
Judge Neilan said the purpose of gardai seeking a remand to Tullamore District Court was a "PR exercise" after they failed to produce the book of evidence.
He also said this would "allow gardai in daylight, the maximum plaudits".
Judge Neilan said "no matter how heinous the crime" or "how overwhelming the evidence", a defendant had the right to the presumption of innocence. He added that Athlone gardai had done a "gross disservice" to An Garda Siochana.
Judge Neilan asked the court "to forgive (his) indignation" which was "overflowing". He also said as far as An Garda Siochana was concerned, he would prefer the State solicitor to attend court in future for such matters.
Members of the Hanley family were seated in the public gallery during the hearing.
The defendant remained silent throughout the hearing until Judge Neilan asked him if he had any objections to being remanded to Cloverhill and held in isolation, to which Mr Cawley replied "no objection".
Mr Cawley was remanded in custody and is to be held in isolation due to fears expressed in court previously for his life. He will appear before Cloverhill District Court on July 30.
