Cork man charged with burglary complains his constitutional rights being breached by solicitors' strike

Defendant appeared by video  link from prison and told court: 'I am asking for a strike out. My constitutional rights are being breached. This is my fourth time appearing without a solicitor… This is disgraceful, man'

A number of other defendants appearing by video link from prison complained their constitutional rights were being infringed by being remanded in custody in the absence of legal representation. Picture: Larry Cummins

A 38-year-old man charged with carrying out three burglaries complained in court by video link from prison on Wednesday his constitutional rights were being breached by being remanded in custody without legal representation due to the solicitors’ strike.

Don Duggan, of 65 Ballinderry Park, Mayfield, Cork, was refused bail at Cork District Court and later at the High Court on charges of carrying out three burglaries on the same day in Mayfield and Montenotte.

Mr Duggan spoke up in his own defence when he appeared by video link: “I am asking for a strike out. My constitutional rights are being breached. This is my fourth time appearing without a solicitor… This is disgraceful, man.” 

All three charges against Don Duggan relate to alleged offences on May 1. He is charged with carrying out burglaries at Murmont Park in Montenotte, Baile an Aoire, Mayfield, and St Christopher’s Road, Montenotte, on that date.

On the application of Sergeant Aisling Murphy, Judge David Waters remand him in custody to a sitting of Cork District Court during the holiday period on August 5.

Later in the day, a number of other defendants appearing by video link from prison complained their constitutional rights were being infringed by being remanded in custody in the absence of legal representation.