'Movie night' mooted as Cork courthouse launches prison video link

Midleton courthouse debuts video link while the neighbouring courthouse in Youghal and many West Cork courts lack the technology

A Courts Service spokesperson told the Irish Examiner that the recently installed video link in Midleton was part of a nationwide roll-out of such technology. Picture Dan Linehan

A “movie night” was jokingly suggested for a Cork courthouse as the first ever prison video link was established there.

Judge Colm Roberts welcomed the light‑hearted idea from solicitor Ken Murray, saying such an event might even help raise funds to fix the roof at Midleton courthouse.

Although video links have been installed in courthouses around the country, the technology is a new addition in Midleton.

Solicitor Don Ryan said it will mean that custody cases in Midleton will no longer have to go to Mallow or Fermoy courts to access their video links.

The neighbouring east Cork courthouse in Youghal still has no video link, and many West Cork courts also lack the technology.

A Courts Service spokesperson told the Irish Examiner that the recently installed video link in Midleton was part of a nationwide rollout of such technology.

"Increased court video link capacity enables more remote appearances by prisoners, technical experts, and provides a safe environment for vulnerable persons to appear before the court," the spokesperson said.

"It reduces greatly the number of escorts needed to be provided by the Irish Prison Service, adding to the security of prisoners.

"It facilitates the giving of evidence remotely by various experts, lessening their need to travel long distances and the time needed to do so."

The technology also permits the judge to allow vulnerable witnesses to give evidence remotely, and safely, without the stress of being present in court, the spokesperson said.

Also, the increased number of remote courtrooms increases court capacity across the regions for justice agencies and members of the public.

"The investment in expanding video courtroom technology across the regions also provides greater access to key enabling technologies to support digital presentation of evidence by justice agencies."

'Making history'

Emma O’Brien “made history” as the first woman to appear successfully via video link from Limerick Prison to Midleton courthouse, said Judge Roberts.

Ms O’Brien, aged 21, is accused of repeatedly punching a woman with whom she had been drinking alcohol on Main St, Midleton, Co Cork, on February 12, 2026.

Gardaí were called to the scene where they found the injured party bleeding from her nose, Sergeant Linda O’Leary told Midleton District Court.

Ms O'Brien, with an address at 6 Carraig Liath, Midleton, made full admissions to gardaí, but told them she had headbutted the woman rather than punched her.

She was charged with assault causing harm contrary to Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997.

Joe Cuddigan, defending, suggested a probation report for his client. Judge Roberts remanded her further in custody to appear again via video link on March 19 for a probation report and a victim impact statement.

Judge Roberts said that he should be away then but his travel plans were “subject to the Middle East crisis” as he is due to fly through an airport in the war-stricken region.

“It could be my holidays are cancelled [...] thanks to Mr Trump,” Judge Roberts said.

Judge Roberts said he was due back on April 14 regardless and he would hear Ms O’Brien’s case after that.