Civil rights activist supports Mayo challenger to public transport face mask regulation

Columnist, author and civil rights activist, John Waters, appeared at Castlebar District Court yesterday as a McKenzie Friend to a defendant who was appearing before the court in relation to an alleged public order offence concerning the wearing of a face mask on public transport.

Failure to wear face protection on public transport is now a regulation under recently passed legislation.

Andrew Heasman, aged 41, with an address at Carrowmore, Knock, told Judge Fiona Lydon that he would be pleading not guilty to charges of failing to give a name and address and a further charge under Section 6 of the Public Order Act which arose from not wearing a face mask on a bus.

The charges related to an incident in Ballyhaunis on July 14.

Consulting with Mr. Waters, who stood beside him during the brief two-minute hearing, the defendant said he was anxious to have the matter heard as soon as possible as he needs to use public transport.

He explained he had a reasonable excuse for not wearing a face mask as he had a disability which covered him under the guidelines.

As it was the first time before the court Judge Lydon said she was not hearing the case or going to listen to any further details on it as it had to take its place in what is a long list of cases which were listed for hearing over the coming months.

The court was told the case could take up to two hours, while there is a possibility of further charges.

Judge Lydon adjourned the case to December 17, which was the nearest available slot given the heavy load of cases currently before the courts, many of which have backed-up for months due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

*McKenzie friend assists a litigant in person in a court of law in England and Wales, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia by prompting, taking notes and quietly giving advice. They need not be legally trained or have any professional legal qualifications.