Craigavon judge tells Co Armagh man accused of assault he won't allow him to 'muck about' with court proceedings
A Judge branded a Co Armagh man’s failure to answer questions as a “circus” adding he wouldn’t allow him to “muck about” with court proceedings.
Gary Cassidy, aged 45, from Darkley House, Darkley Road, Armagh, appeared before Craigavon Magistrates Court via video link from Maghaberry Prison for a Preliminary Enquiry.
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He is accused of assaulting a man causing him actual bodily harm and attempting to rob another man of a mobile phone and key card on April 15 this year.
Cassidy’s barrister Mr David McKeown said he had presented a skeleton argument to the court, however, District Judge Michael Ranaghan said he reviewed it and dismissed it.
The charges were put to the defendant and when he was asked if he was aware of the charges against him the defendant remained silent on the video link.
Mr McKeown said it is his understanding that his client accepted these were the charges against him. District Judge Ranaghan said: “Okay, so he is aware of the charges.”
A Prosecutor submitted, that based on the papers before the court, there is a prima facie case to answer. Mr McKeown said he had already made submissions in respect of the Preliminary Enquiry.
District Judge Ranaghan said he had ruled on those submissions and was satisfied that there is a prima facie case against Cassidy.
When Cassidy was asked if he wanted to say anything in relation to the charges he again remained silent. When he was asked if he wanted to tender a written statement of evidence, he also failed to reply.
District Judge Ranaghan said: “There are a few options here. The court can allow this circus to continue and direct that a voluntary bill is lodged with the PPS or the court can simply say Mr Cassidy will not be allowed to muck about with the court proceedings.”
"So I am implying from his silence that he is conceding to both,” said District Judge Ranaghan.
A Prosecutor made an application for the accused to appear before Craigavon Crown Court on January 27 next year for arraignment. Cassidy is to remain in custody pending the arraignment.
District Judge Ranaghan certified for one counsel for the Crown Court.