The new District Court judge flexed some early muscles in court last Wednesday (January 7 ) when he jailed a man for seven days for continuing to talk in court after being warned not to.
Twenty seven year veteran of the bench, Judge John Neilan, in only his second sitting in the Athlone District Court since the new arrangements came into force on January 1, took umbrage at the incessant chatter from the rear of the court during the proceedings of another case.
Prosecuting assistant, Garda Brian Boland, had already called for “silence in court” but picked a Mr John Purtill (36 ), of Thornbury Drive, Athlone by name from the body of the court when he had to do so for a second time in only a matter of minutes.
Judge Neilan ordered him forward and asked him what was he in court for.
“I dunno,” Purtill mumbled.
“Right,” said the judge. “Seven days. If you’re causing problems in court you’re going to Cloverhill for seven days.
“Next time you come to court you’ll learn some manners.”
Purtill was remanded to Cloverhill prison for one week for contempt of court.
There were no further interruptions.
