Judge unimpressed with Laois man who appeared in court dressed like ‘he’s going to Ibiza’
Portlaoise Courthouse
JUDGE Andrew Cody expressed his disgust at a man who, he said, had turned up in court “dressed like he’s going to Ibiza.” The issue that provoked the judge’s ire came when the 42-year-old man told an in camera family law sitting of Portlaoise District Court that the reason why he missed his appointment with the probation and welfare services was because, while on his way to the appointment on a train, his free travel pass was inspected and found to have expired and he had been put off the train.
“He’ll get free travel up the Dublin Road very quicky,” said Judge Cody after he was informed that the defendant has 49 previous convictions.
The man had been in court last week for the breach of a safety order at a location in Laois on 12 March, to which he pleaded guilty.
“You called your ex-partner a whore and a prostitute and then he turns up in court like he’s going to Ibiza, showing disrespect to the court as well,” said Judge Cody.
The man was wearing a bright coloured flowery top and shorts.
Garda Sgt Kirby said that the accused hadn’t come to garda attention since his last appearance in court.
Judge Cody said that he would give the defendant a final chance to engage with the probation services, with the veiled warning: “Be under no illusion if he doesn’t” before remanding him on continuing bail to the 21 January sitting of the court.
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