A WEXFORD garda was sent forward for trial on corruption and deception charges when he appeared before the local District Court yesterday.
Garda John Joe Synnott (52), Camblin Hill, New Ross, is charged with falsely claiming in his capacity as a public officer that a traffic accident involving two cars occurred at Newtown Road, Wexford, on September 9th, 2007. He is also charged with providing false information for official record purposes to support a fraudulent insurance claim for the financial advantage of another.
He is further charged with, by deception, inducing Axa Insurance to pay financial compensation in respect of an alleged traffic accident at Newtown Road, Wexford, on September 9th, 2007.
Mr Synnott is also charged with excusing the possession of stolen property, namely a black Peugeot 206, knowing it was stolen. He is further charged with unlawfully using a vehicle without the permission of the owner on February 16th, 2008.
Det Sgt Ken Piper told the court that he had served the book of evidence on Mr Synnott yesterday morning.
State solicitor Kevin O’Doherty said the DPP was seeking a return for trial to the sitting of Wexford Circuit Criminal Court on April 21st.
Mr Synnott was granted bail in his own bond of €600 with a cash element of €200. An independent surety of €1,500 with a cash lodgement of €1,000 was also provided for.
As part of his bail he 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.