Claims of IRA disruption atStrabane court

DUP MLA Lord Morrow claimed there was disruption in the County Tyrone courthouse at the end of last month and aksed Mr Ford what action he was taking to prevent the glorification of terrorism at the local assizes.

The DUP MLA asked: “In light of the scenes at Strabane Magistrates’ Court on May 31, 2012, when people in the gallery shouted, cheered and applauded for two men accused of terrorist offences, what action he intends to take to prevent the glorification of terrorism by people attending court, or have them prosecuted for engaging in this activity.”

But Mr Ford replied that there was no record of any such uproar and that had there been he was happy the judiciary had the legal tools to deal with it.

“The conduct and management of proceedings during a court hearing is entirely a matter for the judiciary,” stated Mr Ford. “I am satisfied that the current statutory powers that are available to deal with disruptive behaviour in court are adequate.

“I am advised by my officials that there was no disturbance in the public gallery during the sitting of Strabane Magistrates’ Court on 31 May 2012.”