Judge questions Laois defendant’s choice of outfit for court
Portlaoise Courthouse
JUDGE Susan Fay expressed her disapproval at the manner a woman had come dressed to court last week.
It was during the case of the 25-year-old when Judge Fay said: “There is no beach in Laois. You are dressed for the beach today. I ask that you dress more respectfully the next time you appear in court.” The woman was wearing a tight flowered belly top and tight short shorts.
The defendant, Cora Cuddy, 26 Birchgrove, Portlaoise was summonsed before the court for being intoxicated in a public place at Derrydavy, Mountmellick on 21 September.
She pleaded guilty to the offence.
Garda Sgt JJ Kirby said that while gardaí were on mobile patrol at 4pm that afternoon, they came across the defendant lying in a ditch on the side of the roadway.
He said Ms Cuddy was unable to stand on her own. She had to be assisted by gardaí before being arrested for her own safety.
Sgt Kirby said the defendant has no previous convictions.
“She was more of a danger to herself that anything, “said her solicitor, Barry Fitzgarald. “She doesn’t seem to be able to tolerate much alcohol. On this occasion, she was totally inebriated. She’s highly embarrassed to be in court.” Judge Fay said that if Ms Cuddy contributes €100 to the court poor box, she would apply the Probation Act. If not, she would convict her of the offence and fine her €150 and adjourned the case to 13 July.
Before leaving the courtroom Judge Fay told Ms Cuddy: “There is no beach in Laois. You are dressed for the beach today. I ask that you dress more respectfully the next time you appear in court.” While Ms Cuddy made no reply, a similarly attired woman who had accompanied her to court shouted: “It’s 27 degrees out there. She’s entitled to wear what she wants to court.” Both ladies were escorted from the courtroom by gardaí.
