District Judge Flann Brennan continued with the normal weekly sitting of Drogheda District Court yesterday despite some 30 solicitors walking out as the first case was called.
Judge Brennan did not comment on the solicitors or their action, but in their absence he struck out a number of cases, issued 48 warrants for the arrest of defendants who did not turn up in court, and jailed one local man for two months.
The walk-out was led by the president of the Drogheda Bar Association, Mr Gerry Daly, who stood up as the first matter was called, and told the judge that, as a protest at not having proper court facilities, the solicitors were withdrawing their services. Any inconvenience was regretted.
The court has been based in St Mary's bingo hall at the Old Hill, Drogheda, for over 12 years.
It is believed that many people due to appear at the court yesterday believed from media reports that the court would not be going ahead and did not turn up. However, when the names of people on charges sheets were called, and neither they nor a representing solicitor were present, Judge Brennan issued a bench warrant for their arrest.