‘Vulnerable’ man charged over attack on judge

A man in his thirties has been charged with attacking Judge Miriam Walsh during a family law court hearing in Dublin on Friday and remanded in custody.

The judge had been presiding over a case involving two parents and their adult son in which a protection order was sought; the proceedings were at the district court in Dolphin House in central Dublin.

The judge was allegedly punched and kicked and brought to hospital however her injuries were not serious and she was later released.

Gardaí arrested a male who was involved in the case on Friday and he was later charged with assault causing harm to the judge.

He was held in custody overnight and brought to appear before judge Patrick Clyne at Dublin District Court on Saturday morning. Det Gda Francis Byrne said the man "made no reply" when he was charged with the offence.

Defence solicitor Peter Connolly moved a bail application however the court heard there was a Garda objection to the accused getting released on the grounds of the seriousness of the offence.

It was alleged the judge had been assaulted in court and was punched and kicked, and suffered bruising.

The garda agreed with Mr Connolly that the assault was allegedly carried out on a judge in the family court. He confirmed the defendant had never been in trouble before and has no history of bench warrants for failing to attend hearings.

Mr Connolly argued that the bail objection was unsustainable but an address for his client was the only issue.

Mr Connolly said the man’s parents had been taking out a protection and safety order, which was awarded for five years, and had reservations about him being in their home.

He said the defendant, who is from Dublin, was vulnerable.

Judge Clyne deferred the bail application until next Tuesday and said the man would have to have a suitable address, and he wanted evidence of a treatment plan being in place for him. Legal aid was granted.