PR: Youth Defence Court Victory
16.10.2000
The Supreme Court, today, (Monday 16th October), ruled in favour of Maurice Colgan, National Organiser of Youth Defence, in a case relating to an attempt by the I.F.P.A. to have him committed to prison.
The I.F.P.A. had alleged that Mr. Colgan was in breach of an injunction which had been granted by the High Court on March 11th 1999. The injunction prohibited certain named persons from picketing the I.F.P.A.'s abortion referral clinics. On Aug 18th 1999 Mr. Colgan was called to appear before the High Court on foot of an application by the I.F.P.A. that he should be committed to prison for allegedly breaking the injunction. No evidence was forthcoming from this in support of the allegation and the case was quashed.
The appeal heard by the Supreme Court related to costs incurred by Mr. Colgan as a result of his August 19th appearance. The Court held that he was in fact entitled to such costs and an award of such was made.
Youth Defence are pleased to see this matter has been dealt with adequately. "A dangerous attempt by the I.F.P.A. to breach Mr. Colgans Constitutional rights has been prevented", a spokesman said, "though it does reveal that there are no depths to which the abortion industry would not sink to protect their nefarious trade".
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