Kildare solicitor takes issue with gardaí's treatment of client in sensitive case

A Kildare-based solicitor was critical of the way gardaí led his client into Naas District Court on Thursday, October 12 last.

Solicitor David Powderly questioned why his client was brought into the court from the busy hallway in the building in handcuffs, even though his client's case was to be heard in-camera (in private).

Agreeing with Mr Powderly, Judge Desmond Zaidan said: "That's not right."

He also directed gardaí to 'be more discreet' in the future with Mr Powderly's client (as well as in-camera cases in general).

Garda Sergeant Mary Meade said that as soon as the matter was brought to her attention, she acted on it, which was corroborated by Mr Powderly.

The judge adjourned the case to a later date.

A similar concern was raised in a case heard only a few minutes after the one involving Mr Powderly: barrister Aisling Murphy pointed out that a client of hers involved in an in-camera court case had their full name published on the court list, which could be viewed outside.

Upon being informed of this by Ms Murphy, Judge Zaidan replied: "You are right, their name shouldn't have been printed."

However, Sgt Meade and a court clerk present on the day said that they both had a court list with them that did not have the person's name on it, and only their initials, which is standard protocol for all in-camera matters heard in the court.

The judge adjourned this case to a date in the new year.