Limerick, Ireland – The Limerick Quarter Sessions held on a recent Saturday saw His Honor Judge Adams deliver a stern and uncompromising judgment in a case that had been adjourned from the previous Bruff Sessions. The case, Nunan v. Hedderman, revolved around a disturbing instance in which a man had allegedly sold a tubercular cow to his neighbor, perpetrating the transaction through a web of deceit and falsehoods.

In his ruling, Judge Adams minced no words as he recounted the details of the case. According to him, it was a situation where one individual had sold a cow infected with tuberculosis to a trusting neighbor. The seller claimed to have purchased the cow from a woman named Mary O’Brien, who had supposedly received the cow at a certain price in County Tipperary. However, as Judge Adams went on to reveal, this narrative was nothing but a tissue of lies from start to finish.

Judge Adams, clearly appalled by the egregious deception at play, emphasized that no such woman named Mary O’Brien existed, and that the defendant had resorted to peddling this ailing cow upon his neighbor through a despicable tapestry of falsehoods.

The defendant had asserted that he had procured the cow from Mary O’Brien, who was purportedly preparing to emigrate to America. He even provided a detailed account of the neighborhood where this woman supposedly resided. However, Judge Adams declared his complete disbelief in these claims, prompting him to take decisive action.

The judge initiated an extensive inquiry into the matter, enlisting the assistance of the local police force. He acknowledged the valuable contributions of County Inspector Bouchier in this regard. The resulting police report confirmed the dubious nature of the defendant’s claims. Inquiries were made at various locations, including Cahir, Rahill, and other areas, but no trace of any person named Mary O’Brien could be found. Furthermore, there was no evidence to suggest that anyone from Rahill had sold a cow or was preparing to emigrate to America.

With his conviction that perjury had been committed in this case, Judge Adams proceeded to deliver a harsh judgment. He imposed exemplary damages on the defendant, amounting to £10, in addition to £5 in expenses. Furthermore, the judge issued a notice to be served by the police, directing the defendant to attend the adjourned sessions and provide cause as to why his name should not be forwarded to the Attorney-General for perjury.

In closing, Judge Adams acknowledged the practical constraints of prosecuting every instance of perjury, as it would entail significant costs for the construction of a new wing in Limerick prison, a burden that would ultimately fall on the ratepayers.

The case of Nunan v. Hedderman serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of dishonesty within the judicial system. Judge Adams’ unwavering commitment to upholding the truth and the rule of law was evident in his no-nonsense approach, sending a clear message that perjury will not be tolerated in Limerick’s Quarter Sessions.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 05 June 1906