Judge serves lunch advice

A Circuit Court judge pondered the possibility of even tougher economic times ahead and told a jury on their way to lunch yesterday that in a year’s time he would probably be making their sandwiches.

A jury had been empanelled to hear the case against two men accused of assault and related charges. However, before the trial started, it was indicated that one man was pleading guilty to assault and that the prosecution was satisfied that a trial was no longer necessary.

As Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin thanked the 12-man jury, the foreman asked in jest if they would still get their lunch.

While jurors receive no fees or expenses they are given lunch even if their trial ends prematurely.

Judge Ó Donnabháin said to the jury foreman: “If you’re on a jury next year it could well be part of my job to make sandwiches for you.”

Sentencing of defendant, James O’Driscoll, aged 21, of Lower Codrum, Macroom, Co Cork, was then adjourned. The defendant pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing harm to Shane O’Driscoll at Barrack Lane, Macroom, on May 3, 2012.