'Justice facilitator' accused of attacking lawyer in court says gardaí lack power to prosecute him

Tom Tuite

A self-styled "justice facilitator" accused of attacking a lawyer from the Chief State Solicitor's office in the Court of Appeal in Dublin is to argue that gardaí do not have the power to prosecute him.

Patrick McGreal (45) of Charlestown, Mullingar, Co Westmeath, who appears on social media platforms to speak out on justice and constitutional issues, was arrested at the Four Courts in connection with an alleged incident during proceedings on December 5th last.

He was then brought to appear before Judge Michele Finan at Dublin District Court, charged under section 6 of the Public Order Act for engaging in threatening, abusive, insulting words or behaviour.

Two additional assault and obstructing or resisting arrest charges were brought later.

He appeared again on Friday to indicate whether he would plead guilty or seek a hearing date.

McGreal, who represents himself, said the case was not valid. He wished to argue that, based on his understanding of specific laws, the gardaí do not have legal authority to prosecute in the District Court, and that only the Director of Public Prosecutions has that power.

Prosecuting Garda Michael McGrath told Judge Finan that he had already provided the accused with disclosure of the digital audio recording of the proceedings in the Court of Appeal on the date of the alleged incident.

However, he added that he needed more time to receive a copy of the transcript, which is also to be handed over to the accused.

Judge Finan said the hearing would likely take place in September, but agreed to schedule a pre-trial legal argument hearing on June 19th next.

He remains on bail, subject to conditions including "do not address any court unless you have a formal involvement in the case". He was warned to conduct himself appropriately in all cases and to respect all parties in court, including staff, judges, and security personnel.

The judge had also acceded to a request from the arresting officer to add a further condition regarding the video recording of gardaí in the courthouse. She expanded it to say, "Do not operate any recording device, including audio or video, in any courthouse".

Judge Finan told him that people would be entering and leaving the building, but she accepted his suggestion that he could film from the opposite side of the River Liffey nearby.