Donegal’s Circuit Court Judge has said the court system cannot continue to adjourn cases to facilitate Gardai.
Judge John Aylmer voiced his annoyance at the ongoing situation as the list of criminal cases for the current three weeks Letterkenny Circuit Court sitting reached more than 200 cases.
Judge Aylmer noted that the list had more than doubled from around 100 cases in the past 18 months.
As well as a list of 212 criminal cases for the current court session, there are also extensive civil cases as well as licensing matters and District Court appeals to address on the list.
Addressing the court on the first day of the current sittings yesterday, he told the State prosecutor, Ms Fiona Crawford, that he wanted a message to go out “loud and clear” to An Garda Siochana.
Judge Aylmer said that the schedule for the Circuit Court is known from October of each year.
He added that gardai should not take holidays during sessions and that officers who aren’t present should have to take an oath in the witness box to explain why.
And he warned of the consequences if the court was forced to adjourn cases because of the absence of Gardai.
He said: “We can’t facilitate guards in that way or we will have a list of 300 (cases).”
He said the State prosecution team should have clear instructions on cases by the start of the court term.
Judge Aylmer added: “The list is taking too long to call because you don’t know what the position is.”
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