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Builder who tried to lure woman into car while posing as garda previously impersonated officer
Summary
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 28 October 2022, Declan McGowan, aged 33, admitted acceptance of a jury verdict after being found guilty in March 2023 of attempted coercion, impersonating a Garda, assault and assault causing harm. The offences stemmed from an incident on 18 September 2021 at Kimmage Road Lower, where McGowan approached a woman, Andra Calauz, claiming to be a Garda, showed her what he said was official ID, and pressured her to get into his car. He also threatened to involve Tusla to remove her children. McGowan's husband, Daniel Ion, testified that McGowan choked him and threatened to call Tusla if the couple did not comply. McGowan had previously been convicted of impersonating a Garda in July 2019 and had 31 other convictions, including threats to kill and assault causing harm. The court heard that the incident lasted about 15 minutes on a public road near housing. Declan McGowan pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Builder who tried to lure woman into car while posing as garda previously impersonated officer. Charges or matters: all counts. Procedural stage: finding. Findings: Found guilty
When:
- September 18, 2021 Incident
- July 1, 2019 Incident
- July 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
- November 4 Adjournment
- 2022-10-28 Publication
Why: The accused said he had put his number in Ms Calauz's phone in order to send her the details of Women's Aid. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: all counts (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; She adjourned the case to November 4 for finalisation.
Places mentioned
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