Complaints made against 'flag row' judge
COMPLAINTS made against a judge who said a defendant should be "commended" for taking down a flag are being considered by the Lord Chief Justice for Northern Ireland.
Jim Allister QC, who is the leader of Traditional Unionist Voice, claimed the comments made by District Judge Eamonn King were "politically loaded".
He called on the Lord Chief Justice, Sir Declan Morgan, to investigate the matter and "take steps to ensure" the judge does not hear the case, as and when it comes to hearing.
The controversy arose this week, when the case of Ciaran Patrick David Melaugh was brought before Limavady Magistrates Court.
The 19-year-old from Londonderry was charged with doing a provocative act on July 18 last year at Burnfoot village.
When Melaugh's defence solicitor brought the case before the court, District Judge King said: "Removing flags from lamp-posts, I thought he should have been commended for that."
In his letter of complaint, Mr Allister wrote: "Such a politically loaded observation, clearly designed to influence the PPS towards withdrawing the charge, demonstrates, I suggest, an absence of the objectivity and neutrality which is rightfully expected from the Bench.
"I, therefore, invite you to investigate this matter and take steps to ensure that Deputy Judge King does not hear the case, as and when it comes to hearing."
A spokesperson for the Lord Chief Justice confirmed they had received the letter from Mr Allister QC.
"The Lord Chief Justice will want to consider the matters raised by Mr Allister," the spokesperson added.
In a further statement, the TUV leader said it was a "sad state of affairs" that, in a village such as Burnfoot, British culture cannot be celebrated without interference.
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Tuesday 14 February 2012
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