Cork barrister formally arrested

Cork barrister formally arrested today 12:20:08 PM A Cork barrister was formally arrested today and charged with intimidating a witness in a court case at the Circuit Courthouse in Camden Quay, Cork, last November.

Padraig Cullinane, aged 43, of Courthouse Chambers, Washington Street, Cork, replied "Absolutely not guilty" when he was charged outside Cork District Court today.

Detective Sergeant Edmond Fogarty testified that he met the accused by appointment at 11am and formally arrested, charged and cautioned him.

Det. Sgt Fogarty said the Director of Public Prosecutions had indicated that the case against the barrister should proceed by indictment.

Defence solicitor, Donal Daly said the case would be defended when it comes up for trial by judge and jury.!

I am instructed to say he will be vigorously fighting this matter and will be contesting the matter tooth and nail," Mr Daly said.The charge against Cullinane accused him of intimidating a witness in a case that was at hearing at Cork Circuit Court.

Cullinane B L was defending Hicham Settini in that action.T

he charge states that on November 4, 2002 at the Circuit Courthouse on Camden Quay, Cork, the defendant (Cullinane) did intimidate another person, to wit, Caroline Settini who was a potential witness in proceedings for an offence, whereby Hicham Settini was prosecuted for allegedly obtaining cash from health boards, with the intention of causing the course of justice to be obstructed, perverted or interfered with, contrary to Section 41 (1) and (5) of the Criminal Justice Act 1999.

Judge Con O’Leary remanded Cullinane on his own bail of €500 to appear at Cork District Court again on October 23.

http://archives.tcm.ie/breakingnews/2003/09/25/story114829.asp