A GARDA appeared in court yesterday on criminal charges which include making a false report in connection with an insurance claim for a road incident. He was ordered to surrender his passport.
Sgt Ken Piper told Wexford District Court that he had arrested Garda John Joe Synnott (52) at 12.45pm on March 1st at his home at Camblin Hill, New Ross, Co Wexford.
Mr Synnott was charged that, on a date between September 9th and November 7th, 2007, in his capacity as a public officer, he falsely represented that a crash had occurred at Newtown Road, Wexford, on September 9th, 2007, involving two cars, which did not occur; and that he provided false information to support a fraudulent insurance claim for the financial advantage of another.
He is also charged that on a date between September 9th and November 7th, 2007, by deception he induced AXA insurance to pay financial compensation for an alleged traffic incident at Newtown Road contrary to section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Theft) Act 2001.
Mr Synnott is also charged that, on a date between October 10th, 2007, and March 5th, 2008, he excused the possession of stolen property, namely a black Peugeot 206 registration LL030SF, knowing it was stolen, and that on February 16th, 2008, at Kilrane, Rosslare Harbour, he unlawfully used a vehicle without the permission of its owner Lauren Silva.
Sgt Piper said when the defendant was invited to reply to each charge separately, his reply to all four charges was “no”.
Supt Kevin Gralton said, in light of the seriousness of the charges, a substantial cash lodgement by an independent surety would be required.
Solicitor Martin Carroll, for Mr Synnott, told Judge William Early his client was first arrested almost a year ago. A long-serving garda based in Wexford town, he has been suspended from duty since then.
Mr Carroll said his client has lived at Camblin Hill for 21 years, and has never been prosecuted or convicted of any offence.
He said Mr Synnott, who has two dependent children, has been working as a long-haul driver.
“Surrendering his passport would be tantamount to ending that side of his employment; this is too much of a burden as he’s entitled to the presumption of innocence.”
Supt Gralton said the bail conditions he requested were due to the seriousness of the charges.
Mr Carroll said Mr Synnott continued to travel abroad and return home since he was first arrested knowing that charges would be coming down the line.
“He has made three such trips since Christmas.”
Judge Early said “the accused enjoys the presumption of innocence, but I’m satisfied the seriousness of the charges merit the conditions”.
Mr Synnott was granted bail in his own bond of €600, with a cash lodgement of €200.
An independent surety of €1,500, with a cash lodgement of €1,000, was provided by James Kent of Aclare, New Ross.
As part of his bail conditions, Mr Synnott is required to surrender his passport; sign on every Wednesday and Saturday at New Ross Garda station; and not to contact or attempt to contact any of the witnesses in the case.
