Tipperary judge dismisses cases because gardaí were absent protecting President Biden

While the country basked in the glow of US President Joe Biden’s visit to the country last week, its effect on local justice did not go unnoticed.

Close to 20 cases at Nenagh District Court were struck out last Friday by Judge Elizabeth MacGrath due to the unavailability of gardaí who were assigned to other duties while Mr Biden was in Ireland.

Judge MacGrath said that while she acknowledged the right of the Garda authorities to deploy the force in what ever manner they chose, she had to be mindful of her court and the responsibilities to members of the public who had come to court.

Judge MacGrath said that when such decisions were being made the number of gardaí in the country should be taken into account.

Sgt Regina McCarthy, Garda court presenter, pointed out to Judge MacGrath that it was “not the decision of the gardaí not to be in court”.