A DETECTIVE Garda has been sent forward for trial to Limerick Circuit Court on allegations that he took money from a businessman in return for passing on confidential information about a Criminal Assets Bureau probe into the businessman’s company.
The men were arrested as part of a major probe into allegations of Garda corruption conducted by Gardaí attached to the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Detective Garda David Bourke, (48), with an address at Main Street Oola, Co Limerick, is charged with corruptly obtaining a payment or gift from Stephen O’Sullivan, a director of Bawn Motors, Ballysimon Road, Limerick, contrary to the Criminal Justice (Corruption Offences) Act.
Detective Garda Bourke faces a second charge that he obtained the payment or gift for revealing confidential information to Mr O’Sullivan about the Criminal Assets Bureau investigation .
Mr O’Sullivan, (37), with an address at Farrehy, Broadford, Co Limerick, was also returned for trial.
He faces a single charge that he corruptly gave or agreed to give Det Gda Bourke payment, consideration, or advantage, for confidential information concerning the CAB investigation.
Neither of the accused spoke during the brief hearing at Limerick District Court.
Detective Inspector Michael McNulty, NBCI, told the court he presented each accused with copies of the State’s Book of Evidence against them.
A man and a woman were taken from courtroom number six after shouting during the proceedings.
Judge Marian O’Leary, who dealt with each accused separately, told them that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had consented that they both face a trial at Limerick Circuit Court.
She told them they had 14 days to inform the State of any potential alibi witnesses they may wish to call at their trial.
The charges against the two accused are alleged to have occurred on December 22 at Bruree, Co Limerick.
The bail conditions for Garda Bourke require him to sign on twice weekly between 6am and 9pm at Tipperary Town Garda Station; surrender his passport and not apply for duplicate travel documentation; be contactable at all times; and that he stay at his home address in Oola.
Mr O’Sullivan’s bail conditions are that he signs on twice weekly at Kantruk Garda Station; that he stays at his home address in Broadford, Co Limerick; and that he notify Gardaí in writing if he intends to change address.
Judge O’Leary remanded both accused on continuing bail to appear for trial before the next sittings of Limerick Circuit Court on their own bonds of €300 each.
