Garda appears before Wexford district court charged with sexual assault and coercive control of former partner
Wexford PeopleA member of An Garda Síochána has appeared before a sitting of Wexford District Court in relation to charges of coercive control and sexual assault against his former partner.
The Garda, who has been formally suspended from duty, was charged with damage to the victim’s mobile phone in August 2019, two counts of sexual assault in November 2019 and February 2020, coercive control on dates unknown between March 2019 and September 2021, and one charge of assault dated November 2019 when he appeared before a sitting of Wexford District Court at Gorey courthouse.
Garda Sergeant John Cleary informed the court that there were no objections to bail and the conditions were that he sign on once a week at a Garda Station of his choosing, to hand in his travel documentation, and to have no contact with the injured party.
Lana Doherty, solicitor for the defendant, highlighted that she would have an issue with the signing on condition and the defendant handing in his travel documentation.
Ms Doherty told the court that the accused has had no contact with the defendant since the incident was reported and there has been no issues with this in the last 18 months.
The Director of Public Prosecutions has sent the matter forward for trial and as there is a significant delay there may be a two or three-year wait before the trial is heard.
The accused had been placed on restricted duties when the complaint was made before being suspended on June 18 this year.
In relation to the signing on at a Garda Station, Ms. Doherty told the court it would be difficult for her client to sign on at a station with his former colleagues. She therefore suggested that the accused provide a phone number to An Garda Síochána that must be answered when Gardaí call. Sergeant Cleary responded by saying that simply answering a phone does not mean he is in the country and does not reflect the seriousness of the crimes.
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Ms Doherty also argued that the accused should not need to hand in his travel documentation as by the time the matter is heard before the Circuit Court the complaint will be eight years old and her client’s life will effectively be on hold until then. Gardaí stated that they have no issue with the accused making an application to them to obtain his documents for a holiday, provided he can show the trip itinerary to them at the time of the application being made.
The defendant was then sworn in and gave evidence that he has not left the country in a number of years but would like the option to be there. He stated that he would be willing to provide a phone number to the Gardaí that must be answerable at all times.
Judge O’Connell remarked that he is aware of the sensitivity of the situation but would like to ensure that the accused is treated the same as any other member of the public before the court. Therefore Judge O’Connell refused Ms Doherty’s amendments to bail and reaffirmed the accused is to sign on once a week at a Garda Station of his choosing, and that he is to hand in his travel documents to An Garda Síochána but these will be returned to him freely once a holiday has been booked.
The matter is due back before Gorey District Court on September 3 for service of the book of evidence.