A man, facing charges in relation to an alleged stabbing incident in the city, has been ordered to serve seven days in contempt of court after telling the District Court judge to shut up.
The case against John Ward had just been adjourned to a further date when Judge Mary Fahy noted that a member of the public had attempted to converse with the accused man, who was held in custody. The courtroom was left in shock when, in response to the chastisement, Ward suddenly told Judge Fahy: “Shut your mouth”.
The 21-year-old, with an address at 50 Gaelcarraig, Galway, had been brought before Galway District Court on Monday charged with alleged assault of a man, causing him harm and while committing an offence, to wit, stabbing the same man, he did produce in the course of a fight a knife capable of inflicting serious injury at Shantalla on October 9, 2009.
Inspector Mick Coppinger told the court that the DPP had consented to the matter being dealt with summarily in the District Court subject to Judge Fahy’s agreement. Judge Fahy accepted jurisdiction and adjourned the case to January 12, 2011.
However, just a few moments later Judge Fahy reprimanded a man who had attempted to converse with Ward, who then told her: “Shut your mouth”.
“You told a presiding judge to shut up. You have a solicitor to act for you paid for by the taxpayers of this country,” said a shocked Judge Fahy, who then told defence solicitor Noel Rattigan she would give him time to speak to Ward as he was in danger of being held in contempt of court.
After a short adjournment, Judge Fahy reminded Ward that he had been given an opportunity to rescind his earlier comment. As Mr Rattigan attempted to offer an apology on behalf of his client, Ward defiantly said: “I’m not apologising”.
Judge Fahy then ordered Ward to serve seven days’ imprisonment for contempt of court.
