No garda available in court

The issue of garda resources at the courts erupted for the second time in less than a week when there was no Garda to deal with somebody in the public gallery.

Judge Carroll Moran told Limerick Circuit Criminal Court yesterday it was a “matter of concern”.

Last week, Judge Moran was told there was no garda available to escort a jury during a criminal trial while they dispersed ahead of a lunch break. Over an hour later, two gardaí were taken off mobile patrol and re-assigned to the courts

As barristers, solicitors, and court representatives were carrying on with the business of the day yesterday, a man in the public gallery was overheard talking loudly and laughing.

Twice, Judge Moran appeared to search for a garda to address the matter, but none was present. Halting a district court appeal hearing, he said: “It is the matter is of some concern that there is no court Garda here and a member of the public is getting very loud... it is a matter of concern.

The Judge’s crier left the court and a short time later a garda came into the court and eventually the man was removed after he became boisterous again.