Simeon Burke: Gsoc refused access to tapes of court 'melee' over covert recording concerns

Judge said Court of Appeal noted concerns over the use of recordings on an ambient system where 'persons may be unaware it existed'

Simeon Burke, 24, was convicted of an offence under the Public Order Act for engaging in threatening, insulting and abusive words and behaviour on or about the Four Courts, Inns Quay.
Picture: Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie

The Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (Gsoc) has been refused access to "ambient" audio recordings of a court "melee" as part of its investigation into how gardaí acted during the incident that led to student lawyer Simeon Burke being convicted of a public order offence.

In rejecting the application on Friday, Mr Justice John Edwards said the Court of Appeal noted concerns over the use of recordings on an ambient system where "persons may be unaware it existed", in what could be regarded as "covert audio recording" of gardaí and others present in court.