A District Court judge in Letterkenny, Co Donegal, held two people in contempt of court yesterday for failing to turn off their mobile phones.
A man and woman were taken into custody at Letterkenny Garda station and held in contempt of court after their mobile phones were heard in Judge John O'Donnell's court.
Jason McDaid of Castlefin was sent to the cells before lunch and Julie Stokes from Derry was similarly punished in the afternoon.
Judge O'Donnell held both in contempt for failing to take note that all mobiles should be switched off in court.
Solicitor Paudge Dorrian contested the arrest of his client, Jason McDaid, when both persons were brought back before the court to apologise.
Mr Dorrian said Judge O'Donnell had no power under law to charge his client with contempt.
The judge imposed a €2 fine and gave leave to appeal the sentence. Ms Stokes said she was turning off her mobile when arrested. Judge O'Donnell said the arrests should be taken as a warning to everybody entering his courtroom that their phone should be switched off.