Judge attacks 'disgraceful' court conditions

A High Court judge today launched a scathing attack on conditions in the Special Criminal Court and contrasted them to the luxurious surroundings of the Court Service headquarters.

Mr Justice Paul Butler described conditions available to the defence in the Green Street courthouse as "disgraceful" after an accused, who needed to use the toilet, was forced to leave the courthouse to seek facilities elsewhere.

Mr Justice Butler said it was disgraceful that these conditions applied while the court service "languished in luxury" in Phoenix House - a reference to the Court Service's new headquarters in Smithfield, Dublin.

The trial judge also criticised conditions in the judges chambers which facilitate three judges at any one time.

His comments came during the trial of seven men on trial for IRA membership when Mr John Phelan SC, for the accused, Des Long, requested a short adjournment to allow his client to use the toilet. Mr Long is a diabetic and walks with the aid of a walking stick.

The toilets available to the public were repaired at the weekend having been out of order the previous week.

However, there was an ongoing problem with the wash hand basins and under health and safety regulations the facilities could not be made available.

The trial had to be adjourned while gardaí unlocked the main gate of the high security court to allow the accused cross the road to a public house and use the facilities there.

On his return the Mr Long was searched again before being readmitted to the courtroom.

The Special Criminal Court, which hears mainly subversive crime, has been subjected to previous criticism over the cramped conditions.

In this case, 16 counsel, two solicitors, gardaí, press and court clerks are pressed together into four small benches.

There is just one room available to defence barristers and solicitors.

Although the court has tried hundreds of high profile IRA trials during the 30 years of the Northern Ireland conflict there are no press facilities whatsoever.