This article is from page 20 of the 2012-11-27 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 20 JPG
A WOMAN has apologised after pleading guilty to a breach of the peace at Ennis Courthouse earlier this year.
Nora Maughan (24), with addresses at 20 Stonecourt, Drumbiggle, Ennis and Brayton Park, Kilcock, Kildare, appeared at Ennis District Court on Wednesday.
Inspector Tom Kennedy said the accused was charged following a commotion that developed in the foyer of the courthouse on September 25.
He told the court that gardaí found Ms Maughan with another woman. Insp Kennedy said Ms Maughan was not the only person involved in the incident.
She has no previous convictions. Defence solicitor William Cahir told the court that his client was extremely anxious to deal with the matter.
He added, “She holds her hands up and admitted it was out of order.” Mr Cahir told the court that Ms Maughan’s involvement in the melee was “not of her character or nature.”
Ms Maughan told the court that she was “very, very sorry for what happened.”
She said she had never been in such a situation before.
Judge Patrick Durcan the public had been discommoded by what had occurred in the courthouse on the day. He added, “This court discharged its functions in discomfort.”
He ordered Ms Maughan to pay € 100 to the court poor box. He also struck out the charges against her.
Judge Durcan said, “Whenever you go to courthouses in the future, behave yourself in the future.”