Bilingual barrister comes to aid of 'nervous' translator

A bilingual barrister assisted proceedings at the Special Criminal Court today after an interpreter experienced difficulty during his first court appearance. The Spanish-language interpreter, who has worked in hospital settings but not previously in a courtroom, became anxious while translating for defendants charged in connection with an alleged drug importation conspiracy. Defence counsel Cathal McGreal BL, noting the translation issues, offered support, and the interpreter subsequently continued with the day's business of scheduling matters. Six men require trial dates in the case, including Sean Curran, aged 37, with an address at Carrickyheenan, Aughnacloy, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh. Ten men in total, from Ireland, Spain, Serbia, and the Netherlands, are charged with conspiracy to import controlled drugs valued in excess of €13,000 between late February and mid-March 2024. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor adjourned matters to July 21 for trial date setting, with further mentions scheduled for July 7.