Man claims Kerry judge called him ‘English scum’

An inquiry is being conducted into an allegation that a district judge called a defendant “English scum” at a remand hearing.

The allegation arose from an appearance by English national Paul Harrison before Killarney District Court on October 18, 2016. It was his first appearance on a charge of possession of drugs for sale.

Mr Harrison, who lives in Killarney, wrote to the Chief Justice to complain that when he appeared before Judge James O’Connor, the judge called him “English scum”. He also requested the production of an audio record of the day’s proceedings.