LAST UPDATE | 12 Mar

A DUBLIN-BASED GARDA is to stand trial accused of perverting the course of justice and burglary.

The Garda Anti-Corruption Unit has been investigating the activities of a particular Garda unit based in the Dublin region.

It has led to the arrest of four officers currently suspended from duty.

Garda Mark Duffy, 39, arrived at Dublin District Court today wearing a beanie hat and a facemask after being given station bail last week. But he removed them when he entered the courtroom and appeared before Judge Treasa Kelly.

He is accused of doing an act between 28 August and 20 December, 2021, with intent to pervert the course of public justice, which had a tendency to pervert the course of public justice, contrary to common law.

The officer with a Dublin 15 address is also accused of burglary. In this offence, he is alleged to have entered the flat of a named male as a trespasser on 19 June, 2021, at Kenilworth Road, Dublin 6, to commit an arrestable offence.

He has not yet indicated a plea.

Dressed in a black suit, the officer stood silently throughout the brief hearing.

Detective Sergeant Paul Dowling said he met the accused “by appointment” on 7 March at Irishtown Garda Station to be charged.

The court heard the detective sergeant administered a caution “in the usual manner and he made no reply”.

Eleven minutes after his arrest, he was charged with the two offences, again cautioned, and “made no reply to each charge.”

Judge Kelly noted he was on bail and asked if the DPP’s directions were available. Detective Sergeant Dowling confirmed they had been received, and the DPP directed “trial on indictment”.

This means the case will be dealt with in the Circuit Court, which, on conviction, has wider sentencing powers.

Prosecutors must draft a book of evidence and serve it on the accused before the District Court grants a return for trial order.

Defence solicitor Donal Quigley said the State was seeking a 10-week adjournment.

Judge Kelly extended the time limit for completing the book of evidence. She remanded the accused on continuing bail to appear again on 17 May.

He successfully applied for legal aid through his solicitor. Mr Quigley described his client as “a suitable candidate” and gave the court a statement of his means.