Limerick man charged over courtroom ‘fight’

A MAN was granted bail when he appeared in court after being charged in connection with a fight at Limerick Courthouse.

William Cawley, aged 26, who has addresses at Lelia Street, Limerick and in Ennis is charged with assaulting Robert Curtin in the body on Limerick Courthouse on October 30, last and with engaging in abusive and threatening behaviour on the same date.

Garda Annie Morrissey said she arrested the defendant in the courtroom at 11.30am on the date of the alleged offence and that he made no reply when he was charged later on the same day.

The charges relate to a row between two men which erupted at the rear of the courtroom as the court was sitting.

Around half a dozen gardai intervened and Judge Eugene O’Kelly, who witnessed what happened, was forced to rise from the bench for almost 15 minutes following the incident.

Sgt Donal Cronin said there was no objection to bail but he said the DPP will be consulted and that further charges may be brought against Mr Cawley.

The case was adjourned to November 6, next for DPP’s directions.

Judge O’Kelly has indicated he will not deal with the matter as he does not want there to be any suggestion of prejudice.