Dublin news full of 'murder, mayhem' says judge

Judge Carroll Moran. Photo: James Connolly / PicSell8

Katherine Hayes

Limerick's reputation as a criminally violent city is not deserved, a newly appointed High Court judge has said.

Speaking on his last day at Limerick Circuit Court, Judge Carroll Moran said, by contrast, the "news from Dublin is one of continuous murder and mayhem".

"I want to take the opportunity to emphasise the reputation of Limerick as a criminally violent city is particularly ill-deserved," said Judge Moran, who has presided over the Limerick Circuit Court for the past 12 years.

"Limerick is not a criminally violent place. Limerick is now a peaceful place. For example, as far as I can ascertain there has only been one homicide in Limerick since January 2013, and that's almost two years," he continued.

"By contrast, the news from Dublin is one of continuous murder and mayhem.

"In Limerick, you can walk O'Connell Street and the side streets in comparative safety. The same cannot be said about the similarly named street in Dublin."

Judge Moran said the reason for the decline of serious crime in Limerick was due to the success and effective policing of the streets.

Chief Superintendent Dave Sheahan said Judge Moran "took total command of the court during a fractious period in Limerick's history".

"While all around were losing their heads, you were calm and collected which led to balanced and fair judgments," Chief Supt Sheahan said, adding that Judge Moran "captured the mood of the city" and what was happening in its environment at the time.

Judge Moran praised the legal profession for the trust that existed in the court and said the standard was as good as to be found anywhere in the country.

"Nothing is let sleep, no point is left unchallenged, cases are well prepared and all of this work is done in a communicative manner in the spirit of co-operation."

State solicitor Michael Murray said Judge Moran's elevation to the High Court was truly deserved, given the level of esteem and respect that the people of Limerick had for him. He added that Judge Moran would not send "people to jail lightly", saying sentencing in all cases was "very measured".

Mr Murray added that Judge Moran's sentencing policy should be emulated by every judge.