Jemima Burke says trial 'like something in Middle Ages'

The High Court heard an application today concerning a public order conviction against Jemima Burke, a management consultant, who was convicted at Ballina District Court in June following an incident at an inquest in Swinford, County Mayo. Ms Burke alleged that her Constitutional rights were breached when she was arrested, charged, and convicted within hours, describing the process as medieval. She stated she was detained for over two hours, then tried fifty-five minutes after release, without legal representation or disclosure of evidence. The Director of Public Prosecutions indicated it would not oppose quashing the conviction, though it argued the matter should return to the District Court for rehearing before a different judge. Ms Burke contested this, contending that remittal would itself constitute a breach of her rights. Ms Justice Sara Phelan reserved judgment on the application.