Courts / Dublin / Report

Solicitors strike sees cases sandbagged

Summary

A number of cases listed at the Central and Circuit Criminal Court were adjourned today due to the withdrawal of legal aid work by solicitors. Counsel acting for the defence in the affected cases told presiding judge, Mr Justice Paul McDermott, that they were not attended by a solicitor and did not have instructions. A number of individual defence solicitors acting were present in court, with one telling the judge when the case they were instructed in was called, "with the greatest respect to the court, I'm withdrawing my services". Mr Justice McDermott thanked the solicitors who were present. While dealing with the Central Criminal Court's case management list, the judge said the court expected that if individual solicitors are going to withdraw their services, they should "come to court and indicate that, not simply as a matter of courtesy to the court", but also so the court could "address in advance any proposed withdrawal of service". The unnamed accused pleaded guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Solicitors strike sees cases sandbagged. Charges or matters: a charge of sexual activity in the presence of a child and a man who admitted an offence of criminal damage. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• 2026-06-17 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report