Garda requested donations instead of points, court told

A garda has appeared in court charged with theft and deception.

Judge Denis McLoughlin was told the charges relate to allegedly requesting motorists to make a payment to a charity of his choice in lieu of penalty points or going to court.

Garda Mark Egan (35) of Dunshaughlin Garda station appeared at Navan District Court today.

He faces a total of ten charges, five which allege deception and five which allege the theft of €50, amounting to €250.

All offences are alleged to have taken place on the 8th and 9th October last year and at various locations including Navan, Castleknock, the Dublin Industrial Estate in Glasnevin and two are alleged to have been at a place unknown.

When the case was called judge McLoughlin asked Det Insp Frank Keeneghan what the allegations were.

In reply Det Insp Keeneghan said they were under the Theft and Fraud Offences Act and alleged deception and fraud.

He said it is alleged the accused had stopped a number of drivers and requested the drivers make payments to a charity of his choice in lieu of penalty points or going to court.

Judge McLoughlin said the amounts involved were quite small and the totality was just a few hundred euro, to which the Inspector replied: “correct”.

The judge said he would accept jurisdiction. The defence solicitor asked for the case to be adjourned and Garda Inspector Ollie Keegan said gardai were consenting to this.

The accused was remanded on continuing bail until October 22nd. A Garda spokesman said the accused is currently suspended from duty.