Judge in Tullamore queries need to 'keep throwing out legal aid'
JUDGE Andrew Cody expressed concern about the legal aid costs involved where cases are adjourned on a number of occasions.
He was commenting when Ozlet Muwaniri (35), Crann Nua, Portarlington, appeared before Tullamore District Court accused of not paying a €69 taxi fare to Taye Owoxeni on December 17 last.
Judge Cody noted that Ms Muwaniri had also appeared before Portlaoise District Court and the Criminal Courts of Justice.
“She's popping up every week or fortnight at this stage,” the judge remarked.
Defending solicitor Patrick Martin said Ms Muwaniri had been going to court “everywhere” and most of the other matters had been dealt with.
Mr Martin said he did not have instructions on the charge involving the taxi fare but there was likely to be a guilty plea and it could be marked as such.
Judge Cody said the matters were taking up a lot of court time and the accused should have been able to instruct Mr Martin as to whether or not she had paid the taxi fare.
When Mr Martin asked that legal aid be granted to Ms Muwaniri the judge questioned if he should “keep throwing out legal aid” and in this case it would be for “a €69 offence”.
“There has to come a stage where the public are entitled to say enough is enough,” remarked Judge Cody. He assigned legal aid and adjourned the matter to March 20 next.