A DISTRICT COURT judge in the suburb of Tallaght, Dublin, has apologised for suggesting that Muslims thought that they had a right to assault their wives. Judge Anthony Halpin had said in a crowded courtroom that "Muslims feel they can actually beat their wives," a remark that caused a furore in an area where many Muslims live.

Judge Halpin quickly moved to clarify his remark. He said at the weekend that he meant no offence to the Muslim community, and it was not his intention to single them out. "I apologise for the hurt caused, and I ask for their forgiveness," he said on Saturday.

He said that he had made an unfortunate and incorrect remark in court, which gave the impression that he held "less than favourable" views on the Muslim faith.

"Nothing could be further from the truth. I made the remark, but what I intended to say, and should have said, was that people who beat their partners do not appreciate the provisions of safety or protection orders, and need intervention and education."

The Islamic Cultural Centre in Dublin (above) said that it was studying the details of what was said.