Solicitor in contempt after he called judge a 'clown'
Judge Joseph Mangan also told Limerick solicitor John Devane that he would be reporting him to the Law Society for his "disgraceful" conduct.
Mr Devane was at Shannon District Court in Co Clare representing a client, Eamon Murphy, of O'Malley Park in Limerick, who has already been convicted of two charges under the Public Order Act, arising out of an incident during an anti-war protest at Shannon in March this year.
After beginning to hear Mr Devane's case, proceedings were interrupted by the sound of a baby in the courtroom. Judge Mangan decided to adjourn the case until after lunch and instead hear the matter for which the baby's mother was in court.
Mr Devane attempted to make his case for hearing his client's matter before lunch but Judge Mangan had made his ruling.
Following a brief exchange with the solicitor, Judge Mangan asked the solicitor to "stop acting the clown", to which Mr Devane replied: "You're the clown, thanks for being so understanding."
As Mr Devane turned to walk away Judge Mangan called him and said: "Mr Devane, I am holding you in contempt of court for that comment. I am now offering you the opportunity to purge the contempt."
Mr Devane immediately apologised to the court, explaining: "Judge, I told you that I had a personal difficulty and that my partner had been taken to hospital this morning."
The judge replied: "If you have an application, you make it to the court. The court will hear it and make a ruling. If you don't like the ruling, you can take it to a higher court."
"Your behaviour is disgraceful. I will be reporting you to the Law Society," the judge added. Mr Devane replied: "You can report me to who you like."
Speaking outside the court later, Mr Devane said: "I think this is disgraceful. I have apologised for my comment but when a judge calls you a clown in front of a packed courtroom, what are you supposed to do?"
Judge Mangan adjourned Mr Murphy's case until November 13 to which Mr Devane consented.
- Pat Flynn
