Bench warrant for garda accused of harassing women

A bench warrant has been issued for the arrest of a garda accused of harassment following his failure to appear at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Garda Donal Maguire, aged 38, faced charges of harassing a woman at a Dublin location during 2012 and again during 2012 and early 2013. He had been remanded on continuing bail in July with an instruction to appear for arraignment today. The accused, formerly resident in Kilbarrack, Dublin, is currently based in Bundoran, County Donegal. His defence counsel noted that Maguire had discharged himself from hospital in Sligo to attend his previous court date and requested discretion in executing the warrant given the circumstances involved. The prosecution indicated the accused is accessing mental health services, with certain concerns noted. Judge Mary Ellen Ring issued the warrant at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.