Forget Judge Judy, Kildare's Judge Zaidan is Bebo star
NEWLY-appointed Judge Desmond Zaidan has made his mark in Kildare during his first month presiding in the courts. He even has his very own Bebo site comparing him to American TV show hit Judge Judy!
During his first sittings in Naas, Kildare town, Kilcock and Athy this month he sent out a stark warning that he was going to take no prisoners. The county's criminals, gardai and solictiors will face a tough time in front of the no-nonsense judge.
In Naas this month, Judge Zaidan noted that Kildare was not a "soft touch" for drug growers and handed down a six month's sentence to a man who grew cannabis and opium in his home. He has also introduced new guidelines for gardai, for the immediate removal from the court those who he has imposed a custodial sentence.
In Athy, gardai received a slap on the wrist from the Lebanese-born judge for not having facts readily at hand and for the unexplained absence of several gardai. "Half my list is struck out because of the non-attendance of garda and there is no reason given for their absence.
"This is unacceptable. I should be able to deal with these cases. It is absolutely disgraceful and totally unprofessional," he said at a recent sitting.
He also reproached a solicitor for referring to his client as a "gentleman" after he was told the defendant had more than 40 previous convictions.
Judge Zaiden was appointed a District Court judge in 2007. He has been assigned to preside over the Kildare jurisdiction, having previously presided over a district court sitting in Donegal.
According to his Bebo Fan club, Donegal users were gutted when the "cool judge", who they credit for getting boy racers off the road and as having a great approach to crime, hung up his robes in Donegal for his new role in the Lily White county.
The Bebo describes itself as "a group for people who are fans of Judge Desmond's zero tolerence of crime in Letterkenny. And who also think he is good at getting muppet shams off the road".
Comments include: "F*** Judge Judy!! This is who you need!" and "Watch out Desmond's about!"
Some of Judge Zaidan's comments on offenders...
"We are all entitled to a drink, but to know our limit. If people go to McDonalds and have a big Mac, they know when they are full."
"Once again we see the sobering effect of being arrested. Arrest - it's the best medication."
- Judge Desmond Zaidan
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Weather for Naas, Ireland
Thursday 23 May 2013
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