Courts / Ireland / Report
Barrister's barking dog forces pause in court hearing
Summary
During a remote hearing at the Court of Appeal, a barrister's dog barked repeatedly, causing a temporary pause. The case involved the lawyer appealing both the conviction and prison term of his client. While the barrister was explaining to the three judges why he believed the trial judge had erred in refusing the client's change of plea from guilty to not guilty, the barking was heard over the video link. The lawyer paused, resumed, and was stopped again when the dog barked again. The presiding judge intervened, adjourned the hearing for five minutes, and allowed the barrister to quiet the dog. After the break, the hearing continued without further incident. The court ultimately dismissed the appeal against conviction but suspended part of the appellant's sentence.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Barrister's barking dog forces pause in court hearing. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- April 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2022-01-24 Publication
Places mentioned
- Court of Appeal
Topics
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request