Courts / Limerick / Report

Corruption trial jury hears covert recordings of accused and garda detective

Date
2026-01-29

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Limerick

Summary

The corruption trial of Stephen O'Sullivan, a Limerick car dealer, has heard covert recordings of conversations between O'Sullivan and Detective Garda David Bourke. O'Sullivan is accused of giving Bourke €20,000 in exchange for information about an ongoing investigation by the Criminal Assets Bureau into Bawn Motors. The trial revealed that the investigation, codenamed 'Operation Glacier,' was highly sensitive and confidential. Audio surveillance recorded in December 2018 showed O'Sullivan and Bourke discussing the investigation, with Bourke warning O'Sullivan that authorities were planning searches. Bourke also mentioned that the investigation was still ongoing and that there were concerns about a garda leaking information. The court heard that Bourke was not part of the investigation and that the two business partners had supplied cars to the company. The trial continues with further evidence being presented to the jury. Stephen O'Sullivan pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Corruption trial jury hears covert recordings of accused and garda detective. Charges or matters: one the single count of corruption at Bruree, Co Limerick on December 22, 2018. Procedural stage: trial

When:

December 22, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
November 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
May 2018 Incident
December 2018 Incident
Christmas Other
2026-01-29 Publication

Why: Det Gda Bourke later says: "The other thing is it's being kept very tight because there is stuff over the phones about some guard talking". CNI source report