JUDGE THREATENS TO CLOSE GALWAY COURT AFTER FRACAS
Date Published: 29-Nov-2007
A judge has threatened to close Galway Circuit Criminal Court to the public next week while dealing with the trial of a man charged with the manslaughter of his cousin, if the dead man’s relatives do not behave themselves and allow justice take its course.Judge Raymond Groarke made his comments following violent, angry scenes which erupted at Galway Circuit Criminal Court today during a case involving 26 year old Thomas McDonagh, of 35 Lios na Run, Ballybane26 year old ,Thomas McDonagh was formally charged in front of a jury, with the unlawful killing of his cousin, Joseph Sweeney, on March 27 last at Rocklands Avenue, BallybaneAs McDonagh replied “not guilty” to both charges, a young woman, believed to be a close relative of the deceased, lunged at the accused, grabbed him and started to scream abuse at him.Two Gardai dragged the accused into the Press area in an attempt to get him away from the woman, while other Gardai were quickly on hand to restrain the woman.The courtroom was packed to capacity at the time with solicitors, barristers, defendants in other cases and members of the public There was mayhem for a moment in the courtroom as other people got involved in the fracas which spilled out into the hallway of the Courthouse. Gardai quickly cleared the area and the young woman was escorted to the cell area of the building and was later taken from there to Galway Garda Station.Security in the courtroom and in Courthouse was stepped up as extra Gardai were drafted in for a timeJudge Raymond Groarke asked the jury to come back next Tuesday when, he said, the trial would beginJudge Groarke said he would not tolerate any outburst or anger or violence in his court while the trial was at hearing next week. He said he understood how tempers could become frayed in such a tragic caseBut, he said, he could not tolerate outbursts of anger and threats of violence which would prohibit the court from carrying out its function in the interests of justiceHe threatened to close the court to the public if they do not behave themselves next week