Garda to face trial on charge of burglary
ALSO ACCUSED OF PERVERTING COURSE OF JUSTICE
A GARDA is to stand trial accused of perverting the course of justice and burglary.
Garda Mark Duffy (39) arrived at Dublin District Court yesterday wearing a beanie hat and a facemask after being given station bail last week.
But he removed them when he entered the courtroom and 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, which had a tendency to pervert the course of public justice, contrary to common law.
The officer with a Dublin 15 address is also accused of burglary. In this offence, 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.
The Dublin-based garda has not yet indicated a plea.
Dressed in a black suit, the officer stood silently throughout the brief hearing.
Detective Sergeant Paul Dowling said 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.”
Date
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.
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 10-week adjournment.
Judge Kelly extended the time limit for completing the book of evidence. She remanded the accused on continuing bail to appear again in two months time on May 17.
He successfully applied for legal aid through his solicitor.
Mr Quigley described his client as “a suitable candidate” and gave the court a statement of his means.