This article is from page 12 of the 2007-07-17 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 12 JPG
A JUDGE has warned a young man who was “half asleep” in a jury box after being sworn in to hear a crimi- em eer-de
The 19-year-old west Clare man was sworn in last Tuesday morning for the trial of four young men who were accused of violent disorder.
He took his place in the jury box but later told the judge that he was half asleep and was not in a position to take his place on the jury for the
were ;
Judge Sean O Donnabhain told the young man to remain on in court and he would deal with him later.
“Your behaviour was quite simply appalling. There are three solicitors here. | am thinking of holding you in contempt. You got into the witness box, you tried to fall asleep, you sud- denly woke up and connected with it. It’s simply not acceptable,’ said the judge.
“TI will grant you legal aid because your liberty is at risk. Your behaviour
is contemptuous of the court and is a disgrace to yourself,’ he added.
Solicitor Daragh Hassett, repre- senting the young man, told the court that his client who was from west Clare, was up at 4am that morning to collect his brother from the Willie Clancy Music Festival.
He said he was not out himself but had worked long hours during the previous days.
The judge replied, “What I saw in the box doesn’t smell of bed, rest or sobriety.”
Mr Hassett said his client was very apologetic for his behaviour.
“My particular concern is this man performed in a very contemptuous way to the court.
‘He took the oath, he went into the jury box and threw down the head,” said the judge.
“You are a lucky man Mr Hassett spoke up on your behalf, I think I’ve said enough. You know my view. Please don’t come up any other day for jury service,’ he told the young jnarenee