Balloonist has long been a high flier

Judge Kevin Haugh has been involved in some of the most prominent legal cases heard in this jurisdiction in the last 10 years, both as a barrister and a Circuit Criminal Court judge.

In February he made news when he ordered that potential jurors in Mr Haughey's trial for obstructing the McCracken tribunal be supplied with a questionnaire about their opinions, occupations and business interests. That decision was overturned on appeal by a three-judge divisional High Court last month.

Last year Judge Haugh presided over the case of former tax officer Brendan Murphy, who was convicted of conspiracy to defraud the Revenue Commissioners. He also presided over the trial of Enda Mulkere, a Fianna Fail councillor convicted of fraud in 1997. He was appointed a Circuit Court judge in July 1996 and was appointed to the Special Criminal Court the following month.

He had been called to the Bar in 1966 and made his name as a junior counsel representing defendants in Road Traffic Act cases under what was then the new blood/alcohol regime.

He became a senior counsel in 1983. One of the most experienced criminal lawyers to sit on the Circuit Court bench, he is described by legal observers as a "heavy hitter". An occasional golfer, Judge Haugh (56) has 25 years' experience in the more exotic hobby of piloting hot-air balloons.

roddyosullivan@ireland.com