Wexford’s first video link court appearance

A MAN with a County Meath address made a little bit of history as he became the first person to appear in Wexford District Court by video link.

An image of Bernard Joyce (44) of Beauparc, Navan, was put up on screens above Judge Gerard Haughton.

He was accused of having €1 million in cash, believed to be the proceeds of crime, at Arnestown in Foulksmills last month.

The money, in 20 bundles of €50,000 each, was seized by gardaí and Joyce was then remanded to Cloverhill Prison after a brief court appearance in Wexford on September 24.

The link from Cloverhill on October 1 showed the defendant sitting at a table in the prison and facing the camera.

He confirmed that the connection was two-way, so that he could see those present in the courtroom, including his barrister Sean Quigley.

He told Judge Haughton that he wanted to have Dublin-based Michael Staines as his solicitor.

Mr Quigley, who was retained by Mr Staines, said he wished to confirm with the defendant whether or not he was looking for bail.

His client stated that was not seeking bail at this time. The court was told that it would be four weeks before DPP instructions would be available.

Joyce was remanded in custody to appear, this time at Cloverhill Court, on October 18 and then the screens went blank.