A man on criminal damage charges told a Waterford District Court judge that he didn't want bail and invited the judge to "stick it up your arse".
Mr Joe Hanlon, Kilcohan Park, who appeared in court yesterday on a number of charges, was awaiting a decision on whether he was to be remanded in custody, when he made what proved to be his final submission to the court.
Mr Hanlon sought bail so he could find a place in an alcohol treatment centre, as he said he could not get the proper treatment in jail. He would, he said, not get into any further trouble if his request was granted.
Garda Insp Tom King opposed the motion and said directions were being awaited from the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation to an arson charge.
While defending solicitor Mr Emmet Halley, Insp King and Judge William Harnett discussed the matter, Mr Hanlon grew impatient and suggested what the court might do in relation to bail, before storming down to the court holding cells.
Judge Harnett said: "I am so upset. I have never heard that before."
Insp King remarked that the defendant had apparently "decided his own fate regarding bail".
Judge Harnett adjourned the case to August 12th.
"I am long enough doing this job and have dealt with bigger and tougher men," said the judge.