A SOLICITOR appeared before Limerick District Court yesterday accused of assaulting another solicitor at the courthouse earlier this year.
John Devane (49), with an address at Quinlan Street, The Crescent, Limerick city, was summonsed to court on two counts of common law assault, contrary to section 2 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.
Mr Devane is alleged to have assaulted Limerick-based defence solicitor John Herbert, on May 25th, 2011, and on June 6th, 2011.
The two offences are alleged to have occurred at the District Court building on Merchants Quay, Limerick city.
Mr Devane, and Mr Herbert, were yesterday working alongside each other as usual in the court, dealing with dozens of legal aid clients that appeared on a variety of alleged offences.
No information was heard yesterday in relation to the alleged assaults; however, it is understood a third solicitor may be called as a potential witness if the case goes to trial.
When the case was called yesterday, Mr Devane, representing himself, told Judge Eamon O’Brien: “I appear in that matter judge.” Mr Devane then asked the judge to make an application for the District Court’s digital audio recording system to be disclosed as part of Mr Devane’s evidence in the case.
The judge told Mr Devane he was not going to deal with any orders in the case as, “I know all the parties involved”.
Mr Devane responded: “You have to make an order for disclosure,” to which the judge said, “I’m not dealing with anything. I’ll put it in for tomorrow for another judge to consider.”
Det Sgt Brian Sugrue, Henry Street Garda station, Limerick, told the court a date could be set for the case to be heard. However, the judge adjourned proceedings until today.