We always close comments in cases where individuals have been charged and processes are before the courts.

If that’s the case Gavan, then why are comments open on this article when a person has been arrested, detained & in all likelihood headed for court in the morning!?! Or could it be it’s something to do with the calibre of person who rammed the Gardai in their car!?! Stealing copper sort of gives it away now doesn’t it!!

“In all likelihood” doesn’t mean it’s a certainty. If he was due in court in the morning the comments would be closed. As it is, it’s equally possible that he could be released without charge.

We close comments in any article where judicial proceedings are underway because of the possibility that a commenter could make a comment which prejudices the outcome. This is particularly problematic in jury trials where a member of the jury could read a comment and have this influence their thoughts inappropriately.

(Legally, although we’re not the people who wrote the comment, as its publisher TheJournal.ie and Journal Media Ltd is legally responsible for it. We therefore have to take precautions to ensure our own safety and this means having to close comments in pieces relating to ongoing court cases.)

@gavin.what if they have been charged and await court but you didn’t know?

The usual chain of events is that the Gardaí inform us of any court procedures arising from events like this.

Cool.I taught it was up to the journalist to find out

True, but it’s pretty difficult to keep on top of things that all occur at once. It’s not unusual for someone to be arrested, released without charge, and then re-arrested and charged days (or even years, in some cases) later.

Direct contact with the Gardaí is the easiest way to stay on top of things and to sure we’re protected where we need to be.

Censorship.

Like rural Nigerian justice. They put tyres over the naked bodies of criminals and beat them up and then set fire to them, not necessarily killing them. So cruel.

I saw a video online. Angry victims of crime shouldn’t be directly responsible for the punishment handed out. It’s savage.