Courts / Dublin / Report

Veteran comedian Sil Fox denied bid to have damages case heard before jury

Date
2026-04-17

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Veteran comedian Sil Fox, 94, failed in his attempt to have a jury hear his High Court claim for damages against the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), An Garda Síochána, and other state bodies. Fox, who was cleared of a sexual assault charge in 2020 due to inconsistencies in the complainant's evidence and CCTV footage, claims the prosecution destroyed his reputation and caused him emotional distress. His legal team argued that the DPP was guilty of a dereliction of duty and that the case should be heard by a jury due to its impact on public reputation. However, High Court judge Mr Justice Oisín Quinn ruled that the case was not suitable for a jury, citing the legal architecture of the case and the complexity of the issues involved. Fox's case will now be heard before a High Court judge only. The DPP's legal team argued that the prosecution was based on reasonable grounds, including the complainant's witness statement and CCTV footage. The judge concluded that the case was not appropriate for a jury and refused the application.