A MAN before Wexford Circuit Court on three drugs charges objected to being called 'Mister', refused to accept the book of evidence, and was advised by the judge to talk to his TD if he wanted the law changed, as he seemed to suggest in court.

Mark Redmond, of Sanctuary, Belgrove, Duncormick, was on charges of cultivating cannabis plants at Airdownes Great, Broadway, in June 2012, and of unlawful possession of drugs and the possession of drugs for sale or supply to others on the same occasion.

Garda Josephine Dowling told Judge Gerard Haughton that the book of evidence was ready in the trial, but Redmond refused to accept it. 'The best I could do was leave it on the chair beside where he was sitting,' she said.

Judge Haughton pointed out that there was indeed something on the chair. Redmond replied: 'I don't know what it is.'

'It is the book of evidence, Mr Redmond,' answered the judge.

'I'm not "Mister". I am Mark John. I have a certificate with me to prove it,' countered the defendant.

'What's your name, judge?' he continued. 'Have you got your bond?'

Judge Haughton replied: 'I'm Judge Gerard Haughton. I am 65 years of age and have received an extension of time from the Minister for Justice in case you want to go to the High Court. I have no difficulty in addressing you whatever way you want.'

Judge Haughton then told the accused that the DPP had directed the charges be dealt with before judge and jury in the Circuit Court.

The accused asked if the DPP was present.

'It's not necessary for the DPP to the present. The gardaí are present to prosecute the case. If you think the law should be changed, go to your TD,' replied the Judge.

'I'm not political,' answered the defendant.

At that point, Judge Haughton returned the defendant on continuing bail to the next sitting of the court on the drugs charges.

Redmond was also facing motoring charges, stemming from offences at Kilrane on April 5 last year.

Prosecuting Garda John O'Flynn gave evidence of having stopped the defendant while driving. He asked to see an insurance cert and driving licence, but neither was produced in the specified time.

The defendant told the judge the garda who stopped him was not in full uniform.

'I was wearing the same garda outfit as I'm now wearing in court,' said Garda O'Flynn.

'You were not wearing your hat,' answered the defendant.

Redmond continued that he was not 'driving', saying that was a term used for driving cattle on the roads many years ago. He also claimed he was not driving a 'motor vehicle', as the garda had said, and that the correct term was 'an automobile'.

Judge Haughton imposed fines of €300 for driving without insurance; €100 for not having valid road tax; €100 for not producing a certificate of insurance; €100 for not having an NCT cert, and a further €100 for not producing same; and €100 for not having a driving licence. He also banned him from driving for two years.

A second charge of having no insurance at St Martin's Road, Rosslare Harbour, on April 22, 2013, was dismissed. He was fined €100 for no driving licence and €100 for failing to produce driving licence.

Judge Haughton ordered the ban to come into effect within 14 days unless appealed.

'I will be appealing,' the defendant said.

Enniscorthy Guardian