A man could not be sentenced for sexual offences at Longford Circuit Court today because of an escalating solicitors' strike.
It was one of several cases affected by a complete withdrawal of services.
Solicitors around the country have completely withdrawn their services today and tomorrow due to an ongoing row over the new legal aid model.
The new system, introduced by Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan, means solicitors are paid a flat fee of €520, rather than being paid per court appearance.
This had a big effect on Longford Circuit Court's sitting this morning.
A man was due to be sentenced for sexual offences, after pleading guilty to multiple offences relating to several victims.
But his barrister, Senior Counsel Barry White, told the court he had no instructions from solicitors in the case, due to the complete withdrawal of services, and was appearing himself in court simply as a courtesy.
He said it's after the solicitors' dispute escalated.
Judge Kenneth Connolly said the sentence couldn't proceed today, as the accused had no legal representation, and remanded him on bail until next Tuesday, when he said he would be remanded in custody.
Judge Connolly said it's impossible to avoid a lengthy custodial sentence when the case is finalised, given the seriousness of the offences.
Other cases were also affected by the withdrawal of criminal services by solicitors today.
