A JUDGE has told gardaí to stop wasting money during the recession and make maximum use of resources.
Judge Mary Fahy criticised gardaí at a special sitting of Galway District Court on Saturday morning after hearing how a defendant was taken on a 200km round trip to court for a process that could have taken place in a Garda station.
Keith McSharry from Drummons, Glencar, Manorhamilton was brought before Galway District Court on Saturday morning – the special sitting was convened to deal with another matter.
Sgt Michael Gallagher said he had arrested Mr McSharry at Knock International Airport at 7.40am that morning on foot on a bench warrant that was issued when the 19-year-old failed to appear before Manorhamilton District Court on December 10th.
Sgt Gallagher said he took Mr McSharry to Swinford Garda station and from there to Galway.
However, Judge Fahy launched a stinging criticism when she heard that gardaí were consenting to Mr McSharry being released on a cash bail of €600.
“It is outrageous that this man is taken this distance for something which could have been done in the Garda station. It is an abuse of the system.
“There are cutbacks in courts and in many other areas. There are huge costs involved and yet this man is taken up and down the country for no need whatsoever,” she said.
Judge Fahy said there were costs involved in opening a court on a Saturday morning and such courts should only be used for urgent matters.
There was a need to make maximum use of resources, she stressed.
Mr McSharry was remanded on bail to appear before Sligo District Court next Thursday.