A man from Cavan who had to be removed from the Court room after causing a commotion during the hearing of another case was asked to explain his actions by Judge Desmond Zaidan.

At last Thursday's morning session of Letterkenny District Court while a case was proceeding a kerfuffle broke out in the back corner and a prisoner in custody could be heard shouting that his wrists were being broken. He had to be physically restrained by gardai and removed from the court room.

Noel Callan of 92 Ard Keelan, Cavan, was before the court on public order charges for which he was arrested at 3.50am on the 19th April at Glenfin Street, Ballybofey.

Judge Zaidan outlined to Inspector Angela Willis that he would hear Callan's case at 2pm that afternoon in an empty court room given the prisoner's aggressive nature.

Before the court adjourned for lunch Callan was brought back and outlined to Judge Zaidan that he would be "defending himself". He also asked Judge Zaidan if he could have a glass of water, to which Judge Zaidan replied that he could. Callan then asked if he could be permitted to drink it in front of the Judge, he stated: "I trust your eyes Judge. May I have it here as I don't trust anyone else here."

Judge Zaidan stated that perhaps it would be wise to assign Mr Patsy Gallagher as the prisoner's solicitor, as long as Callan was in agreement with this.

At a later stage in proceedings and following consultation between Mr Gallagher and his client the case came before Judge Zaidan again where it was agreed to adjourn it until May 17 for hearing.

Addressing Callan, Judge Zaidan stated: "How do you account for your behaviour in the court room this morning? It was a very disturbing ordeal for the people in here. From you actions it would appear as if they were killing you."

Mr Gallagher explained that his client had no reasonable explanation but it was perhaps something to do with his medical status.

Judge Zaidan remarked: "There has been a remarkable transformation since this morning. You have gone from being aggressive to being as quiet as a poodle."

Callan also faces charges of alleged assault on Garda Ambrose Bradley arising from the incident which took place last Thursday.