‘I didn’t do anything. I was just drunk’ – defendant tells judge
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A JUDGE told a woman who was in court that she was not facing a custodial sentence upon conviction for a public order offence.
He asked that in the absence of advice from a free legal aid solicitor if she would like him to procced in dealing with her case.
The question was put to Anna Bigos (52) of no fixed address.
She was in court charged with being drunk to such an extent that she might be a danger to herself and to others at Laois Co Council offices, James Fintan Lalor Avenue, Portlaoise on 19 June.
‘‘It’s a minor offence,” Judge Cody told Ms Bigos. “There’s no risk of a custodial sentence. Would you like to deal with it in the absence of legal representation?” All legal practitioners dealing in criminal law under the free legal aid scheme have withdrawn their services in a dispute over legal aid payment reforms.
“Do you want to plead guilty or not guilty,” Judge Cody asked her, to which she replied through an interpreter: “I didn’t do anything. I was just drunk.” “It’s a matter for yourself if you wish to engage a solicitor, but section 4 (intoxication in a public place) would not normally allow for free legal aid as it is a minor offence. But you can apply for this if you can show exceptional circumstances.” Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick, who previously represented the defendant under the free legal aid scheme, said she would not do so because of the ongoing dispute.
Judge Cody told Ms Fitzpatrick: “Free legal aid has been paid for and you are contractually obliged to provide representation.” Ms Fitzpatrick replied: “I won’t be applying for free legal aid in this case today due to the circumstances the department had placed on me and on my solicitor colleagues.” Judge Cody remanded Ms Bigos on continuing bail to the 28 July sitting of the court, where a full hearing into the case will take place.
Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme.
