Charge of harassment dropped against garda who was committed to Central Mental Hospital

A harassment charge against a garda from Bundoran, County Donegal has been withdrawn at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Garda Donal Maguire, aged 40, had previously been found not guilty by reason of insanity on two counts of harassment following a trial last month. The jury returned that verdict after hearing evidence that he had sent a Valentine's card, emails and a social media friend request to a married female sergeant despite being instructed by superiors to cease contact. Mr Maguire, who suffers from early onset dementia, was committed to the Central Mental Hospital following the trial. The Director of Public Prosecutions entered a nolle prosequi on the additional harassment charge, relating to conduct between February and March 2014, resulting in its withdrawal.