Limerick court isn't snowed under with cases due to weather

THE JUDGE, prosecuting inspector, gardai, solicitors, barrister and clerk were all in Newcastle West Court at 10.30am this Thursday but a large number of those who had allegedly been up to no good were absent.

Some 20 defendants, Limerick Live counted, didn’t attend the court sitting due to the inclement weather.

Inspector Gearoid Thompson, prosecuting, was amenable to requests for adjournments as west Limerick did suffer the worst of the snowfall. However, his tone turned decidedly frosty when it came to one accused. 

After being told by the man’s solicitor that he “can’t make it”, Insp Thompson said he lives in the town.

“If he fell twice he’d be here as we say where I am from,” said Insp Thompson (pictured below), who applied for a bench warrant. Judge Carol Anne Coolican granted the application.

There were a number of reasons given for non-attendance at Newcastle West Court.

Michael O’Donnell, solicitor, said he has received a call from his client’s mother, who said her son had no way of getting there.

Mr O’Donnell candidly admitted in relation to one client that his record at appearing is not the best - snow or no snow.

Judge Coolican was told that another defendant’s non-appearance had nothing to do with the weather as he is in England.

The majority of those who didn’t make it to Newcastle West Court were adjourned to December 3.

“The snow is bad in many parts of west Limerick. The N21 is particularly bad. A truck has jack-knifed in Barna - everybody is caught,” said Insp Thompson.

READ MORE: Some schools in Limerick opt to close due to overnight snow

One man who did make it to court was there in relation to snow of a different kind - cocaine. He was referred to the Probation Service for possession of the Class A drug.

The unusually short court sitting in Newcastle West concluded just after noon.

“Safe home everybody,” said Judge Coolican.