Kildare judge suggests Trump referral for gardaí over use of pronouns
Photo for illustrative purposes only
A JUDGE called a Garda computer system “quite mad” for a default amendment of an injured party’s pronoun from ‘her’ to ‘them’ during a case about an alleged familial assault at a birthday party.
“I want to refer your IT system to a certain Mr Trump!” said Judge Desmond Zaidan with his tongue firmly planted to one side, before adding in seriousness: “As far as English is concerned ‘them’ is plural, and you’re alleging one victim. I’m only thinking about the language”.
This all came to light following an alleged familial assault during a 21st birthday party on 1 June on the Main Street in Newbridge.
The defendant Laura Hayden (35) from Lakeside Park in Newbridge was in court to discover if the future of her assault causing harm charge had been ruled upon yet by the DPP.
“She allegedly pulled out her hair,” said Sergeant Ruth Coleman, of the alleged assault of a niece at the event.
“She allegedly injured her arm as well,” said the sergeant before adding: “I don’t have directions”.
“So you ruined it for your other niece?” asked the judge rhetorically.
“No allegation of a weapon?” he asked.
“No judge,” confirmed the sergeant.
At this point he noticed the syntactical discrepancy on the charge sheet.
“’Causing them harm’…do you want to amend that to ‘her’?” he asked.
“Maybe they are a them,” said defending solicitor Joe Coonan.
“Our IT system reverts by default to ‘them’ these days,” said Inspector Bobby Feery, which brought to the judge's mind one of the big social issues of the day.
After making his remarks on the syntax, the judge remanded Ms Hayden on continuing bail to re-appear on 26 February for updated directions on where she should face trial.
