Shotgun judge 'sorry' for remark

The judge apologised for his remarks

A judge in the Republic of Ireland has apologised for telling a court he would use a shotgun to "blow the head off" anyone who broke into his home.

Judge Sean McBride had made the comment as he sentenced a man for robbery in the border county of Monaghan.

The Irish Council for Civil Liberties branded his comments "outrageous".

In a statement issued through the Courts Service, the district court judge said he regretted the "particular form of words".

"I apologise for any offence or upset that these words may have caused," he said.

But he insisted he was trying to underline his disgust at criminals who target the vulnerable.

The 26-year-old man being sentenced was convicted of the theft of items from the home of an elderly woman.

"I was trying to emphasise my revulsion at the violation of the safety of peoples homes - of the sanctuary of their private space," Judge McBride said.

"I regret my choice of language and want to make it clear that I am totally opposed to the use of guns and against all violence."