A woman who disagreed with a judge’s opinion in the District Court this week (December 16 ) was threatened with seven days in Mountjoy for her trouble.
Before Judge John Neilan was Louise Courtney (34 ), with an address at Clibborne Way, Moate, on three charges of possession of heroin and cannabis worth €7,000 at the above address on September 1, 2008.
Courtney was not happy when the judge deferred a decision on whether she could receive legal aid after she admitted ownership of a car, which the judge felt she could sell to pay for her legal fees.
“I need it to see my granny,” said Courtney.
“I presume that car is taxed and insured and that costs money too,” said the judge.
“That could alleviate taxpayers’ money.”
Courtney disagreed with this approach and allowed her body language betray her.
“And if you want to nod your head in disapproval you’ll find yourself in Mountjoy for seven days,” said the judge.
“Do you understand?”
Yes, your honour,” said Courtney, before her case was adjourned back to February 24.
