Garda to stand trial accused of burglary and perverting justice
A DUBLIN-based garda is to stand trial accused of burglary and perverting the course of justice.
The Garda Anti-Corruption Unit has been investigating the activities of a Garda unit based in the Dublin region. It has led to the arrests of four officers currently suspended from duty.
Garda Mark Duffy, 39, arrived at Dublin District Court yesterday wearing a beanie hat and a facemask after being given station bail last week. He removed them when he appeared before Judge Treasa Kelly.
He is accused of doing an act between August 28 and December 20, 2021, with intent to pervert the course of public justice.
The officer, with a Dublin 15 address, is also accused of burglary. In relation to this charge, he is alleged to have entered the flat of a named male as a trespasser on June 19, 2021, at Kenilworth Road, Dublin 6, to commit an arrestable offence.
He has not yet indicated a plea. Dressed in a black suit, the officer stood silently throughout the brief hearing.
Detective Sergeant Paul Dowling said that he met the accused ‘by appointment’ on March 7 at Irishtown Garda Station to be charged.
The court heard the detective sergeant administered a caution ‘in the usual manner and he made no reply’.
Eleven minutes after his arrest, he was charged with the two offences, again cautioned, and ‘made no reply to each charge’.
Judge Kelly noted he was on bail and asked if the DPP’s directions were available.
Detective Sergeant Dowling confirmed they had been received, and the DPP directed ‘trial on indictment’. This means the case will be dealt with in the Circuit Court, which, on conviction, has wider sentencing powers than the District Court.
Prosecutors must draft a book of evidence and serve it on the accused before the District Court grants a return for trial order.
Defence solicitor Donal Quigley said the State was seeking a tenweek adjournment.
Judge Kelly extended the time limit for completing the book of evidence. She remanded the accused on continuing bail to appear again on May 17.
He successfully applied for legal aid through his solicitor.
The officer stood silently