Thorn in side of the force

Most gardaí would probably run a mile from a courthouse while off-duty.

They spend enough time attending court while at work, so, naturally, few would be likely to embark on a busman’s holiday.

John Wilson isn’t most gardaí. On Jan 12, 2012, he was present for the hearing of a district court case in Cavan courthouse while on a day’s annual leave. He had a particular interest in the case for hearing. A retired couple from Virginia, Walter and Genevieve Smith, had approached him previously about what they alleged was harassment from some members of the force. This alleged harassment occurred in the course of a dispute that arose with the Smiths’ neighbour.