A JURY was sworn in today (Tuesday October 8) to hear the trial of a man accused of threatening to kill a Detective Garda serving in the Limerick Garda Division.
Kieran ‘Bunny’ Barry (51), of Galvone Road, Kennedy Park, Limerick, is accused of making a threat to kill or cause serious harm to Detective Garda Dean Landers.
Mr Barry is alleged to have issued the threat outside his home on May 3, 2019.
Prosecuting barrister John O’Sullivan told the jury, sworn in today, that it will be alleged that Mr Barry threatened Detective Garda Landers while he was on duty on the day in question.
Mr O’Sullivan told the jury that a number of named Garda witnesses may be called to give evidence in the trial, including the alleged injured party.
The prosecuting barrister told the jury that Mr Barry is also known in his native Limerick by the nickname “Kieran ‘Bunny’ Barry”.
A jury of eight women and four men were sworn in to hear the case.
Mr Barry is also charged with one count of possession of a quantity of cannabis for sale or supply to others, contrary to Section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, at his home address, also on May 3, 2019, as well as one count of simple possession of cannabis, contrary to Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, at the same address on the same date.
Mr Barry also faces a charge of resisting Detective Garda Landers in the execution of his duties, at the same location on the same date.
The accused spoke in court only to affirm that he was pleading “not guilty” to all four charges.
Judge Colin Daly warned the jury not to discuss the case among themselves or amongst anyone else while the trial was ongoing.
The judge also warned the jury not to read any media reports or social media commentary or consult the internet about the case.
“You are not to carry out your own investigation”, the judge told the jury members.
Judge Daly sent the jury away until tomorrow (Wednesday) when the trial will get underway in earnest.
The trial is expected to last until the end of this week.
