A judge voiced his dismay at the number of women on violent charges, and at their unladylike behaviour in court this week (October 24 ).
“I’m not happy with their behaviour, particularly the testosterone level of the young ladies. I’m lost for words to describe the females, who I shouldn’t describe as young ladies,” lamented Judge Hughes.
He was speaking in the case of six people (including two underage males, and one underage female ) who were allegedly involved in the assault of a female garda which saw her having to take 102 days off work.
After responding to a call to Belhavel apartments, Golden Island, Athlone in the early hours of February 4 to investigate reported antisocial behaviour, Garda Emer Finn was allegedly surrounded by a number of people, and, while her colleague was occupied with some of the others, was allegedly pulled to the ground by her hair in such a way she strained her neck and shoulder.
Appearing on this charge for the first time was Patrice Daly (24 ), of Brockagh, Fardrum, Ballinahown; Nikita Ring (19 ), River Street, Clara, Co Offaly; Lisa McCarthy (26 ), with an address at Grotto View, Battery Heights, Athlone, along with the three youths who appeared later before a cleared court.
Because the three adult women were in court after bench warrants were issued, all appeared in the dock until their cases were called.
During this time they chatted and laughed loudly, demanded to be brought out for cigarettes, climbed on the seat to speak over the glass to a number of friends and relations, and in one case, tried to make a mobile phonecall.
Judge Hughes held his counsel until the women’s case was called, but then gave them the benefit of his wisdom.
“I’m not impressed with the way you’re behaving in court. You’re behaving more like men. I know I’ll get castigated for this, but you should be more like young ladies,” he said.
All three were given multi-conditional bail, and ordered to re-appear on November 21.
The three youths were remanded to appear on January 13.
