Two men charged in connection with a petrol bomb attack at a house in Co Clare were not ill-treated while they were being questioned in garda custody, a jury has heard.
Judge Carroll Moran was summing up the case for the prosecution following the conclusion of evidence in the trial of Noel Price and Michael Stanners at Limerick Circuit Court.
Mr Price, (25), of Kileely Avenue, Limerick and Mr Stanners, (20), of Delmege Park, Moyross, are charged with arson at Gillogue House, Clonlara, Co.Clare on May 17th 2001.
Both of the accused men deny the charges.
During the trial, the defence claimed that so called admission statements - obtained by gardai during question and answer sessions - were made by the defendants under duress.
The defence claimed that Noel Price was allegedly told by gardai that his mother - who minds his young child - would be arrested for withholding information and that the child would be put into care.
Defence counsel for Mr Stanners made similar allegations claiming he was told that his sister would be arrested and that her children would be taken into care.
However, gardai flatly denied the allegations.
Summing up the case yesterday, Judge Moran told the jury that it was the prosecution's contention that there was no evidence that the accused had been ill-treated in custody.
"The period of detention is not meant to be a genteel garden party. As long as gardai maintain a minimum of respect for the dignity and comfort of the accused then they are entitled to question them accordingly," said Judge Moran.
On the first day of the trial, Philip Treacy gave evidence that he had been watching television on the evening of May 17th 2001 when a petrol bomb was hurled through the front window of his home.
Mr Treacy's wife, Pauline, three of their children, and a family friend were also in the house at the time, the jury heard.
Judge Moran said the trial had reached a very sensitive stage and he urged the jury not to speak to anyone about the case.
The jury of nine women and three men are due to begin their deliberations tomorrow.