Garda accused of harassment

A garda appeared in Tullamore District Court yesterday evening, charged under new anti-harassment legislation.

A garda appeared in Tullamore District Court yesterday evening, charged under new anti-harassment legislation.

Garda Austin Woods (40), of Nephin Road, Cabra, Dublin, was accused of harassing Ms Collette Johnston by telephone. The harassment allegedly occurred between June 1999 and January 24th this year. He was charged under Section 10 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

Supt Tom Murphy said he had no objection to bail on condition that the accused gave an undertaking not to pester or communicate in any way with Ms Johnston, of Cootehill, Co Cavan.

Judge Neilan released the defendant on his own bail of £1,000 and remanded him to appear again before Longford District Court on May 2nd.