Case lost in translation at Kildare court

A judge did the honourable thing and ordered a claims sheet be filled for an Egyptian translator who was in court all day, though not properly used, as it was discovered nearly halfway through the case that she was involved in, that it was an Indian translator that was needed.

The error was only flagged by the interpreter just after the case against Mani Brijmani (43), Moorfield Park, Newbridge had begun.

She had begun to translate Mr Brijmani’s case for trespass, and threatening and abusive behaviour to him, but soon noticed the bewildered expression on the defendant’s face, and brought it to the judge’s notice.

“I’m an Egyptian translator, he’s from India!” she smiled.

Sergeant Dave Hanrahan told Naas District Court that on 10 August Mr Brijmani had drunkenly tried to gain access to a private residence in Pairc Mhuire in Newbridge, and got abusive when the residents confronted him.

“He was drunk and disoriented, and kicking at the front door,” said the sergeant, reading from the arrest report.

“He made no intention of getting in?” asked Judge Desmond Zaidan, to which Sgt Hanrahan replied: “No, judge”.

Solicitor Joe Coonan attempted to defend his client who had a very poor grasp of English, which Judge Zaidan opined was the default second language of all Indians.

“He has no recollection of the incident, he had been out celebrating his son’s birthday,” said Mr Coonan.

“He works as a chef in Newbridge, and sends money home to his family in India,” he added.

“He has no previous, he’s holding his hands up. He has a sum of €500 in court as a gesture,” offered Mr Coonan.

“He would like to be naturalized in the future, and a silly conviction like this could jeopardise that,” he pleaded.

“To be fair, he couldn’t even remember where he was,” said Mr Coonan.

“I’m afraid I’ll have to convict,” said the judge.

“How would you like a drunken stranger kicking at your front door at who knows what time in the night?” the judge asked rhetorically.

“Has he even got legal status here in Ireland?” the judge asked.

“I’m not sure, said Mr Coonan. “I’ll find out.”

“Are you standing in court as an illegal person?” the judge asked again, before fining the man €500 on each of the two charges.

A little bit later, Mr Coonan sought leave to re-enter the case and assured the judge: “He has his visa, I just missed it.”

Mr Coonan then lodged his client’s appeal against conviction.