Judge Harvey Kenny has directed that an investigation be carried out into allegations that a peace pact between rival families in the Southill area of Limerick was preventing the administration of justice.
At a hearing in Limerick Circuit Court, Mr Patrick Casey, an uncle of an alleged victim of a serious assault, denied he had attempted to communicate with the alleged victim while his nephew was giving evidence under oath.
Mr John O'Sullivan BL, for the State, put it to Mr Casey that a peace deal brokered by Alderman Michael Kelly of Limerick Corporation earlier this year was taking priority over the courts. Mr Casey replied that he knew nothing about that.
He further denied his late appearance in court on Wednesday was related to the absence of two witnesses during that afternoon.
Mr O'Sullivan also put it to Mr Casey that he did not want his nephew, Mr Paddy Casey, to give evidence in accordance with a complaint the nephew made to the garda∅ in which he identified an alleged attacker.
Mr John Devane, solicitor for Mr Casey, said the comments were highly prejudicial.
Mr Devane said he had approached Alderman Kelly to broker the peace deal so that his position as a solicitor would not be compromised. The matters were resolved and the garda∅ were happy at the time. Mr Casey agreed with him that there was no question of criminal charges being dropped.
Judge Kenny said he was not going to make a decision on the issues. They were allegations of the most serious nature which needed to be fully investigated by the authorities.
Judge Kenny said: "Justice will be administered by the court without any interference by persons who may feel they are outside the law or may think they are above the law. This is not so and the message must go out. Here in Limerick, it is this court and other criminal courts that determine the guilt of innocence of individuals."