METRO FREE Friday, September 18, 2009 HELP METRO HELP THE ENVIRONMENT. RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER TODAY INSIDE TODAY See Page 7 2-week-old pups found abandoned in box in park Interview: Page 20 Legendary actor Michael Caine talks to Metro PLUS Whats on TV tonight Pages 20-21 An outspoken judge found himself in the firing line when he was acciden- tally shot with an airgun during a private court case, it was revealed yesterday. John neilan, who serves on the bench in the Irish midlands, was struck by a pellet from the pistol as a lawyer showed it to the court. the judge, who is best known for his own shooting from the lip, laughed off the attack and carried on hearing the case. the Courts service refused to comment, insist- ing it was bound by the rules of family law which prevented it from discussing anything to do with the case. It is understood a solicitor had been exhibiting the non-lethal weapon when it was inadvertently discharged and a tiny pellet struck the judge. the shooting occurred during an in-camera family law hearing in Longford District Court. there were at least a half a dozen shocked wit- nesses including legal teams and court staff. Judge neilan is one of the most outspoken and colourful judges sitting in Irish courts. Last December, he offered an apology to any- one he had offended in his courtroom during his career, claiming one of his greatest failings was his honesty. In the past, he has publicly criticised the Courts service and in a row over late sittings claimed its staff had no intelligence, but he later apologised. other targets of his dismay included Justice Minister Michael McDowell in 2004 in a row over the jailing of drink-drivers, as well as publi- cans for selling alcohol to young men. Judge neilan later refused to attend the opening of a new courthouse with the then minister. BY ED CARTY Judge is shot by airgun in court Eamonn Farrell, brother of actor Colin Farrell, and his business partner Jill Doyle look on as students at their National Performing Arts School in Dublins Docklands help announce details of the schools free Open Day, which takes place tomorrow from 1pm to 5pm. For more information, check out www.npas.ie Picture: Brian McEvoy OUT TO PERFORM index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html24.html25.html26.html27.html