Michael Clifford: Who judges the judges in Ireland?

A defendant in a case in Killarney in 2016 says Judge James O’Connor called him ‘English scum’, but there is no system to prove or disprove this claim, writes Michael Clifford.

Judge James O’Connor.

A defendant in a case in Killarney in 2016 says Judge James O’Connor called him ‘English scum’, but there is no system to prove or disprove this claim, writes Michael Clifford.

ADDRESSING a citizen of the UK in a public place as “English scum” could lead to prosecution, under the Incitement to Hatred Act. The act provides for a fine up to €1,000 and up to in six months in prison.