Courts / Limerick / Report

'Scissor sister' Mulhall entitled to majority of legal costs in prison action

Summary

In a High Court judicial review, Mr Justice Barr ruled that Charlotte Mulhall is entitled to a majority of her legal costs in proceedings against the Irish Prison Service and the Governor of Limerick Prison. Mulhall, who was convicted of murder in 2006 for the killing of Farah Swaleh Noor, challenged her transfer to Limerick Prison, alleging it disproportionately interfered with her family visitation rights. Although the judge struck out the proceedings, noting that Mulhall was not entirely successful as permission to challenge the 2018 transfer was denied due to time limits, he awarded her 50% of the costs for the leave application and 66% for the full hearing. The judge stated it was just and equitable for Mulhall to receive some costs because she secured a change in the visitation regime, allowing family visits at neutral venues. The respondents, who opposed the costs claim, argued they had made bona fide efforts to treat Mulhall fairly. The judge placed a 28-day stay on the costs order pending any appeal. Background details note that Mulhall's sister, Linda Mulhall, was found guilty of manslaughter in the same case and sentenced to 15 years in prison, a sentence she has since completed.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Scissor sister' Mulhall entitled to majority of legal costs in prison action. Charges or matters: murder; manslaughter and sentenced to 15 years in prison. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Found guilty

When:

• March 2005 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2022-03-30 Publication

Why: The court was told that those proceedings did not need to proceed because family visits had been arranged for her at neutral venues, and that such visits are likely to continue. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report