Michael Murray loses appeal over prison sanction for Bible throwing

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

The Court of Appeal dismissed Michael Murray’s challenge to a 40-day prison sanction for throwing a Bible at a judge, in a decision reported on 22 February 2024.

The sanction removed ordinary privileges at Midlands Prison, including limits on recreation, visits and phone calls. Murray had received it after the incident during a sentencing hearing in July 2021.

The Court of Appeal agreed with the High Court that Murray was in the Governor’s custody at the hearing and that the sanction was within the prison rules. It rejected his argument that he was in judicial custody while in the courtroom.

The appeal succeeded only on a separate issue: the Court of Appeal allowed it in relation to the High Court’s refusal to recommend payment to Murray’s legal representatives under the Legal Aid Custody Issues Scheme.