Persuaded to take legal aid

A young Blackwater man took the advice of Judge Haughton to get himself a solicitor when he appeared before the court to answer to a charge of engaging in threatening or abusive behaviour.

Kevin Doyle (20) of 25 Riverside, Blackwater, was charged with the offence dating from July 24 of last year near his home. When asked if he was working, Mr Doyle replied: ‘No, I’m in school.’

When Judge Haughton asked if he wished to have a solicitor appointed under free legal aid, he said that he didn’t believe he needed one.

Doyle then lodged a plea of not guilty and it was up to Judge Haughton to set a date for hearing.

Before doing this, he said: ‘I’ll offer you again the chance to avail of free legal aid Mr Doyle. You are not a lawyer, you’re a student. It would be foolish of you to proceed without legal advice, but that’s a matter for yourself entirely.’

When asked one final time if he wanted free legal aid, the defendant replied: ‘I’ll take all the help I can get.’

The case was then adjourned until May 2 for Doyle to appoint a solicitor and a Gary Doyle Order was made for him to be furnished with the evidence against him.