Judge raises a stink over court’s toilet trouble

Court cases in Northern Ireland have been sitting online for lawyers, journalists and Judges sitting in Northern Ireland.

The court, at which the toilet flush was heard, is physically in Lisburn Court which is not open to the public due to COVID-19 restrictions.

It is dealing with cases from Craigavon, Newry and Lisburn Courts which are closed due to the pandemnic.

Online resources allow solicitors, barristers, journalists and the PSNI access to the video link which also has a link to Magheraberry prison and police stations such as Musgrave and Lurgan.

At one point in the proceedings, it can be heard that someone, clearly with their link to the court alive, opened a door and was moving to what might be a bathroom.

Little could be seen from the video but the sound was very clear

Clunking and clicking as if a door was opened, and what may be described as coughing or grunting but unclear. Then, what is clearly a flush of a toilet, flooded the screens and sound to Lisburn Magistrates Court.

Then the District Judge Nigel Broderick took control of the situation and said: “Can I ask anyone who is not taking part in the case to mute their mic. We are hearing all sorts of noises. I am not sure of the source of them.”

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