Andrew Carey
THE trial of a Wexford garda accused of stealing money from the Minister for Justice in his employment as a member of An Garda Siochana has opened before Limerick Circuit Court this Wednesday.
Ciaran Folan, (44) with an address at Fethard On Sea, Wexford, has denied five counts of the theft of a total of €3,310.27 from his employer, the Minister for Justice, on dates between September 9, 2007 and January 31, 2008.
It is alleged that Mr Folan, who is a member of An Garda Siochana, “procured unauthorised payments” on five dates of various amounts from €357.78 to €1056.64, Limerick Circuit Court has heard.
When the 44-year-old was arraigned before the court this Wednesday, Mr Folan pleaded NOT guilty to each charge.
The accused, who was stationed in Clifden at the time of the alleged offences and is represented by Colm O’Briain SC, is accused of lodging the payments to a bank in Limerick.
Prosecution Counsel for the State, John O’Sullivan told the court that the trial is expected to last in to next week.
Mr O’Sullivan told the jury members and Judge Tom O’Donnell that the case will hear from the finance officer from Clifden Garda District, a number of superintendents and garda sergeants as well as forensic technical experts.
Opening the case before a jury of eight women and four men at Limerick Circuit Court, Mr O’Sullivan told the court that an executive officer attached to the Department of Justice in Killarney, will also give evidence in the case.
Evidence is due to begin before Judge Tom O’Donnell this Wednesday afternoon.
