Kildare court defendant claims he is friends with Garda Commissioner Drew Harris

Delays in a court case concerning allegations made in 2018 by gardaí were highlighted at Naas District Court on Thursday, September 14 last.

The case concerns Noel Caulfield, with an address given as 3 Roebuck Castle in Clonskeagh, Dublin 14, County Dublin.

The 72-year-old claimed to Judge Desmond Zaidan that he was informed by a garda sergeant that this would be his final court appearance in relation to the case.

"It's been going on for five years now, and the prosecuting garda has never turned up," he said.

Mr Caulfield, who has opted to represent himself in the case, stands accused of committing a public order and dangerous driving offence at Canning Place in Newbridge on December 29, 2018.

However, Judge Zaidan disagreed with Mr Caulfield: telling him: "I have 400 cases (today); I don't know how any garda sergeant can speak on my behalf. I can't give anyone any assurances (that their case will be heard."

When Mr Caulfield reiterated what the garda allegedly told him, Judge Zaidan replied: "Well, I'm the one in charge here, not the garda... but I agree that it (the delay) is not satisfactory."

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The judge then told Mr Caulfield that he would put his case back for mention to October 12, adding: “Hopefully, by then, someone will be sent to help me (referring to the prospect of a new judge being appointed to the Kildare region).”

When the court session drew to a close, Mr Caulfield said: "I'll talk with (the Garda Commissioner) Drew Harris again."

Judge Zaidan jokingly asked him: "Is he your solicitor?" to which Mr Caulfield responded: "No, he is a good pal."

Although the case was initially adjourned to October 12, Judge Zaidan decided to bring it forward to October 9.

He changed this date in order to facilitate the organisation of a special court sitting.