Redmond case warned of 'distorted' coverage

Fears that the trial of Mr George Redmond may have been "substantially distorted by pre-judgement" were expressed on its opening day in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court today.

The former Dublin assistant county manager faces two charges of corruption in office.

In his opening statement, Mr Patrick McEntee SC for Mr Redmond asked Mr Justice Michael White to be mindful of the impact that substantial media coverage may have on the fairness of a trial.

He referred to the "huge" media coverage, citing numerous examples from print, radio and television, transcripts of which will be produced for examination by Mr Justice White.

It alleged Mr Redmond received and corruptly accepted "a gift of money," on an unknown date between June 1st, 1987 and May 31st, 1998, as a reward for the sale of a "right of way" in Palmerstown, Dublin.

Mr McEntee went on to suggest that if there is a "real risk that Mr Redmond cannot get a fair trial," due to "adverse publicity," a mistrial must be called for. This he described as the duty of the court, called for by the constitution.

Examples of the extensive media coverage will be read, listened to and viewed by the court later in the trial.

Counsel for Mr Redmond have always argued that the "blanket coverage" of their client's case was damaging to the prospect of a fair trial.

Last year the trial was postponed until such time that "the prejudice that pertains at this time (May 2002) is spent."

This morning, however, the request from the defence was for a "fair trial or no trial."