A garda suspended from duty after being charged with harassing a woman by persistently phoning her is to be electronically monitored using a mobile phone provided by the Garda Technical Bureau.
Garda Austin Woods, with addresses at Nephin Road, Cabra, Dublin, and Shanmullagh, Hackballscross, Co Louth, appeared in custody at Edenderry District Court yesterday.
Garda Woods had his bail revoked at Longford District Court last week by Judge John Neilan when he admitted that he had breached bail conditions by changing addresses and making further phone calls to his victim, Ms Collette Johnson, of Station Road, Cootehill, Co Cavan.
Yesterday's hearing, also before Judge Neilan, heard that Garda Woods had made application to the High Court for bail, but the application had been adjourned until June 15th.
The judge said he was very surprised that the defendant had gone to the High Court for bail.
"I didn't indicate last week that I was refusing him bail. I only revoked the bail I set earlier because he breached the conditions," the judge said.
He said he wanted Garda Woods monitored 24 hours a day seven days a week.
The judge ordered that Garda Woods be equipped with a mobile phone i to be monitored by gardai, and the number of the phone was not to be issued to any other person. He also said the phone should only be able to receive calls, and that Garda Woods would give a full description of his whereabouts when contacted and be in a position to attend at a designated Garda station within 15 minutes of being requested to do so.
He remanded Garda Woods in custody to Castlerea Prison with consent to bail in his own surety of £1,000 and two independent sureties of £4,000 each.
Garda Woods is due to appear at Longford District Court on June 23rd.