Court disruption by Travellers prompts extra Garda presence

GARDAÍ WERE called to a courthouse in Waterford city yesterday after angry scenes erupted inside.

Waterford District Court was dealing with proceedings involving eight men charged in connection with a dispute among Travellers in the city.

During the proceedings, one woman claimed a man in custody, John Mongan, was making aggressive gestures to her and members of her family from his seat. Verbal exchanges took place between the man's relative and other women.

More than 30 Travellers were in the vicinity of the courthouse and outbursts could be heard from inside after the women were escorted out by gardaí. Within minutes, up to 10 additional gardaí, some armed, made their way into the court room.

Judge Gerard Haughton told the women he could jail them for seven days "for contempt". "I will not, and cannot, tolerate any outbursts in court," he said.

Outside, gardaí issued a warning to congregating Travellers who were told they would be arrested if they remained in the vicinity of the courthouse.

Inside, Willie Burke (22), of St Herblain Park, John Burke (27), of Kilcohan Park, and Michael Burke (60), of Farran Park, were charged with an assault causing harm to Christopher Stokes at the Six Cross Road on July 12th.

Willie Burke was remanded in custody until September 2nd, while John and Michael Burke, also denied bail, will appear at the court again on August 19th.

Martin Burke, who also charged with assault, was granted bail to appear again on September 9th.

Anthony McDonagh (24), of Aisling Court, Waterford, a father-of-one charged with the assault on Mr Stokes, was also denied bail.

The judge said the situation was likely to "spill over" into the community if he was released.

James McDonagh, The Crescent, St John's Park, was charged in connection with the possession of makeshift incendiary devices and an unlicensed firearm at his home. He was granted bail and will appear again on August 24th.

Father-of-eight John Mongan, Ardmore Park, Ballybeg, was charged with threatening to kill Michael Burke. He was remanded to August 19th. Thomas Quilligan (36), Carrickpherish, was charged in connection with the possession of ammunition and was granted bail to September 2nd.