Former police officer, accused of assaulting a solicitor, claims he was unable to get a lawyer in Belfast, court hears
A retired police officer, who is accused of assaulting a solicitor, has had his case transferred to Craigavon court as he claims he was unable to get a lawyer in Belfast.
Alan Graham, aged 69, of an address in east Antrim, appeared before Craigavon Magistrates Court.
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He faces two charges – criminal damage of property belonging to a male and common assault of the male on September 12 last year.
District Judge Michael Ranaghan told the defendant to sit near a microphone so he could hear him.
"Mr Graham, this case has been transferred to Craigavon because I understand you had difficulty getting legal representation in Belfast. Is that correct?” asked the district judge.
"Yes I was denied legal representation,” Graham claimed.
District Judge Ranaghan told him to “calm down” and sit down.
"When you say denied legal representation – nobody would represent you in Belfast. Is that correct?" asked the district judge.
Graham said he had spoken to two different solicitors “who hadn’t the manners to return my call”.
“I am going to tell you again to calm yourself down and have a seat,” said the district judge.
“This is just me speaking,” said the defendant.
"I know it’s just you speaking Mr Graham but, again, calm down and sit down,” said the district judge asking the defendant if he had tried to approach any solicitors locally since the matter was transferred to Craigavon.
“I approached the Police Federation solicitor Mr Edwards and Co in Belfast. I have been a member of the Police Federation for 50 years. I paid them every month,” said Graham.
“Have they decided to represent you or not?” asked the district judge and the defendant said “no”.
After a number of questions by the district judge, Graham finally said he hadn’t approached any Craigavon solicitors.
“I understand the complainant in the case may be a solicitor in Belfast, is that correct?” asked the district judge.
“That’s correct," said the defendant.
The district judge said that, on the defendant’s behalf and with his authority, he would approach the local solicitors’ representative to see if anyone in this region is prepared to take on the case.
Graham agreed. “It’s always handy to listen sometimes,” the district judge told the defendant.
The case was adjourned for review to February 25.