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Woman left Gort District Court following judge’s intervention 
 
Fears over the spread of the coronavirus prompted a district court judge to tell a court on Thursday he would prefer anyone coughing to withdraw from a packed courtroom. 
Judge Patrick Durcan interrupted one of the cases before him at Gort District Court after he heard a person coughing. “Who is coughing?” he asked. 
 
After an elderly woman at the back of the room identified herself as the person coughing, Judge Durcan asked: “Does the lady have business in court? You have a case, have you? 
 
When the woman stated she wasn’t there for any particular case, Judge Durcan asked: “Why are you here?” 
 
In response, the woman replied: “I am just attending.” 
 
The judge told her: “I would prefer - you are more than welcome to attend ... but in view of the international health situation, I would prefer anyone coughing would withdraw.” 
 
He added: “It is being fair to everyone else ... If you feel you won’t cough anymore, you are very welcome to stay. I will leave it to your own judgment.” 
 
Shortly after, the woman left the court. 
 
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