This article is from page 8 of the 2012-09-18 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 8 JPG
A DISTRICT court judge showed his determination to have his court run efficiently and on time on Tuesday last when he issued up to eight bench warrants for people missing from the body of the court when their case was called.
Judge Patrick Durkin was also annoyed when one defendant who was resident in Limerick Prison was not taken to Kilrush in time for the 10.30am start.
“I don’t see why I should drive a considerable distance, up to three hours, and members of the Gardaí can’t be here on time,” he said.
Superintendent Gerry Wall reminded the judge that it was the prison service that was responsible for getting the prisoner to court on time in this case.
Those responsible for their own appearance were also chastised for their lethargic attitude.
One defendant was not present when the registrar called his name as he had according to his solicitor Patrick Moylan, “gone to sign on this morning”.
“Mr Moylan, I am hearing of fellas who are never in court when they are called but were there before and there after.
“If you are not at the station when the train comes you miss the train,” remarked Judge Durkin as the second bench warrant was issued.
A bench warrant was then issued for a defendant who was believed to be in the restroom at the time her case was called.
“There is no point being in the lavatory in the station when the train leaves,” said the judge.
Within 20 minutes of the court sitting four bench warrants were issued.
By lunch time the figure had more than doubled.
It later emerged that one of the defendants had gone home for a cup of tea.
Supt Wall told the court he agreed with the actions taken.
“I am in total support of what is going on his morning. We have to get some order,” he said.
In the afternoon four of the defendants came before the judge to explain their absence and had their bench warrants vacated.