Barrister on intimidating witness charge
Padraig Cullinane, 43, of Courthouse Chambers, Washington Street, Cork, replied: “Absolutely not guilty” when he was charged outside Cork District Court yesterday.
Detective Sergeant Edmond Fogarty testified that he met the accused by appointment at 11am and formally arrested, charged and cautioned him.
Det Sgt Fogarty said the Director of Public Prosecutions had indicated that the case against the barrister should proceed by indictment.
Defence solicitor Donal Daly said the case would be defended when it comes up for trial by judge and jury.
“I am instructed to say he will be vigorously fighting this matter and will be contesting the matter tooth and nail,” Mr Daly said.
The charge against Cullinane accused him of intimidating a witness in a case that was at hearing at Cork Circuit Court.
Mr Cullinane was defending Hicham Settini in that action.
The charge states that on November 4, 2002, at the Circuit Courthouse on Camden Quay, Cork, the defendant (Cullinane) did intimidate another person, to wit, Caroline Settini.
Ms Settini was a potential witness in proceedings for an offence, whereby Hicham Settini was prosecuted for allegedly obtaining cash from health boards, with the intention of obstructing the course of justice contrary to Section 41 (1) and (5) of the Criminal Justice Act 1999.
Judge Con O’Leary remanded Cullinane on his own bail of 500 to appear at Cork District Court again on October 23.
During the brief hearing, the judge asked Mr Daly if the defendant was present in courtroom number two. Mr Daly said he was.
The judge then told the defendant to stand up. He had been sitting behind the solicitor.
The defendant, Mr Cullinane, was not required to speak during the hearing.
