Man accused of trying to intimidate garda

A MAN accused of attempting to intimidate a New Ross-based garda had his application for bail refused at Wexford District Court on Tuesday, May 26.

The judge heard evidence against Graham Shannon (29) of Beech Tree Cottage in Carrigbyrne, who is accused of an offence involving Garda Robert Carty.

The granting of bail was opposed by Sergeant Michelle Burns who was concerned about a post that had appeared on Shannon’s Facebook page. The post, which the defendant denied putting up, included accurate details of Garda Carty’s private vehicle.

The garda was called to tell the court that the make, colour and year of his car were all correct in the post.

He said that if Shannon was released, then he would have serious concerns for his own safety and for the safety of his family.

He also said that he had changed his route home on a number of occasions in order to make the car less easy to follow.

When it was his turn in the witness box, the accused confirmed that he is the father of a seven-year-old child.

He said he had no knowledge as to where Garda Carty resides, adding that he had no issue with the garda and had no intention of finding out where he lives.

However, bail was refused in order to prevent the possibility of an offence being committed.

Judge Brian O’Shea said that gardaí should not have to live as Garda Carty described simply for doing their job. He adjourned the case to June 16, with Shannon remanded in custody in the meantime.