InShort

A round up of today's other stories in brief.

A round up of today's other stories in brief.

File on fishing fraud inquiry goes to DPP

Gardaí have referred a file on their investigation into alleged fraud within the fishing industry to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), writes Lorna Siggins, Marine Correspondent.

The file covers inquiries which extended along the west coast but focused on Killybegs, Co Donegal.

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The investigation also dealt with allegations of collusion involving officials of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.

The Garda investigation into alleged fraudulent landings and alleged "collusion" with department officials was initiated last October by Minister for the Marine Noel Dempsey.

This followed claims made in writing to the European Commission by Killybegs-based fisherman Pat Cannon.

During the investigation, equipment was seized from fishing vessels and private homes in several ports.

Judgment reserved in Garda case

The High Court has reserved judgment on proceedings by a garda for a court order overturning a decision by the Garda Síochána Complaints Tribunal requiring him to resign from the force.

The decision relating to Garda Ciarán Sheehan was made seven years ago after a hearing by the tribunal into allegations of alleged "oppressive conduct" by Mr Sheehan, then a garda sergeant, towards a member of the public.

Garda Sheehan, attached to Scarriff, Co Clare, has brought his judicial review proceedings against the Garda Síochána Complaints Tribunal and the Garda Complaints Board.

In opposing the application, both respondents rejected claims of unfair procedures and breach of rights.

Mr Justice Roderick Murphy reserved judgment.

Suspended term for cocaine user

The co-owner of the Miss Fantasia adult shop in Dublin has been given a two-year suspended sentence and 240 hours' community service for having cocaine valued at €4,000.

Justin Parr (36), Liberty Court, Blackpitts, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to having the cocaine on December 17th, 2003, at his home and in his Miss Fantasia shop on South William Street.

Bernard Condon, defending, told the court that his client had a €1,000 weekly income and was spending half the amount on drugs at the time of his arrest.

Drug dealer jailed for breaching bail

An 18-year-old Limerick man convicted of drug dealing has had a three-year suspended jail sentence activated after he breached his bail conditions three times in four months.

Ger Dundon (18), Lenihan Avenue, Limerick, was convicted of having drugs with intent for sale or supply in April 2004.

But his three-year sentence was suspended on condition he kept the peace for three years.