A round-up of other courts news in brief
Publican fined for breaches of smoking law
A Co Monaghan publican has been fined for breaches of the ban on smoking in pubs at his licensed premises in the Co Cavan town of Kingscourt.
He has been fined €1,500 and ordered to pay €1,158 in costs and expenses.
At Bailieboro District Court yesterday, Hugh Byrne, Foxfield, Carrickmacross, was convicted for permitting smoking on his premises on November 27th last.
The court was told that an environmental health officer visited Freeman’s Bar, which was being run by Mr Byrne, and discovered people smoking in a games room.
Judge Seán MacBride said he believed Byrne was “blatantly flouting the law” and he could not tolerate it. He ruled as stated.
Firm sued for not paying rent
A case for alleged non- payment of rent against a company owned by Dragon’s Den star Niall O’Farrell will be heard on March 19th.
Blacktie Ltd, Terenure, Dublin, is being sued for alleged non-payment of €26,666.66 in rent related to its premises at Main Street, Blackrock, dating back to December 1st.
Landlord Seán Duignan is seeking possession of the premises and the payment of all rents due plus interest.
At the Circuit Civil Court yesterday, Angus Buttanshaw for Mr Duignan requested the case be sent for summary judgment. Dublin county registrar Susan Ryan fixed March 19th for hearing it.
Stay on judgment registration
The High Court has put a stay until September next on registration of a judgment for €2.3 million against a solicitor.
The judgment was part of a settlement reached earlier this week of proceedings brought by ACC bank over solicitor Pádraig Butler’s alleged failure to honour undertakings aimed at ensuring the bank had security for loans advanced to two clients.
Yesterday, on consent of the sides, the judge placed a stay on registration and execution of judgment until September 15th. He refused the bank’s application to make an order for costs against the Solicitors Mutual Defence Fund.
Court to rule on ‘Irish Times’ appeal
The Supreme Court will rule before the end of next month on the appeal by The Irish TimesEditor Geraldine Kennedy and Public Affairs Correspondent Colm Keena against a court order requiring them to answer questions from the Mahon tribunal relating to the source of an article about financial payments to former taoiseach Bertie Ahern.
The two-day appeal concluded before a five-judge Supreme Court last December and was listed for mention yesterday. Chief Justice Mr Justice John Murray said judgment would be given on or before April 30th.
GAA footballer sues over injury
A Gaelic football player has claimed before the High Court that he suffered severe injuries to his foot after it was caught in a hole in the playing surface while he was playing in a schools match.
Alan Crawford (29), Raphoe, Co Donegal, has sued Co Donegal Vocational Educational Committee over injuries he received while playing for Raphoe vocational school in a schools match at Convoy GAA Club on April 22nd, 1994.
Mr Justice John Quirke said he would give judgment today.