Courts / Dublin / Report

Judge: 'I have to balance being fair with not letting dangerous people out on the street'

Date
2026-07-23

Stage
Charge Or Pretrial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Judge Anne Watkin discussed the challenge of balancing fairness with public safety as she dealt with a case where the accused had no legal representation due to ongoing industrial action by solicitors. The case involved Felipe Gonzalez Tadilha Nunez (26) of Mount Pleasant Avenue Lower, Dublin 6, who was accused of throwing two bags of suspected drugs into the Grand Canal and fleeing from gardaí. He appeared in custody before Dún Laoghaire District Court, charged with obstructing Garda Lee McEnroe under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Judge Watkin noted that Nunez had no solicitor because his was participating in the industrial action over criminal legal aid fees. She stated that she had to be more lenient in his case but also emphasized the need to ensure dangerous individuals were not released onto the streets. Nunez was granted bail on his own bond, subject to daily check-ins at Rathmines Garda station, surrendering his passport, and not applying for other travel documents. The court warned that failure to comply with these conditions would result in custody.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Judge: 'I have to balance being fair with not letting dangerous people out on the street'. Charges or matters: obstructing Garda Lee McEnroe under the Misuse of Drugs Act at Charlemont Place, Dublin 2, on 20 February, 2025. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

20 February Hearing Or Sentence
2 March Adjournment
2026-07-23 Publication

Why: The court heard that Mr Nunez did not have legal representation because his solicitor was participating in the ongoing industrial action over criminal legal aid fees. Court evidence reported by CNI

Case subjects

Unnamed accused

Accused

Charges: obstructing Garda Lee McEnroe under the Misuse of Drugs Act at Charlemont Place, Dublin 2, on 20 February, 2025 (Alleged Or Contested)

Outcome: She remanded Mr Nunez on bail on his own bond, subject to signing on daily at Rathmines Garda station, surrendering his passport and not applying for or using any other travel documents.