Second chances given at Nenagh District Court 'in memory' of Judge Elizabeth MacGrath

A defendant had their charge struck out “in memory” of Judge Elizabeth MacGrath at Nenagh District Court. 

The defendant from Roscrea was charged with a possession of drugs offence and had been before Judge MacGrath previously when she gave the defendant the benefit of the Restorative Justice programme.

The court was told that Judge MacGrath “indicated” she would strike out the charge if a “satisfactory” report was returned. 

The defendant was before Judge Mary Cashin in Nenagh this week, who said she would strike out the matter “in her memory”.

She said to the defendant:  “Judge MacGrath was an advocate for giving people a second chance. You have been given one on this report. It is a very good report.” Judge MacGrath was referenced several times throughout the court sitting on Friday. 

The court considered several cases for the Restorative Justice programme, two of which the defendants lived outside of the Nenagh Restorative Justice area.

In the case of two, the matter was left stand to allow gardaí to find out if the Restorative Justice programme could be facilitated for defendants who live outside of the Nenagh district. 

Sergeant Regina McCarthy returned to say that the Restorative Justice Officer could liaise with other areas, an option the court was not aware of. 

One case was referred on its second call to continue the work Judge MacGrath was passionate about.

Judge MacGrath passed away on July 3 and was laid to rest in Dromineer on Monday, July 8, 2024.