A judge has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of a garda charged with harassing a woman after the accused failed to appear for a court date.

Garda Donal Maguire (38) is charged with harassing one woman at a location in Dublin over a period in 2012. He is also charged with harassing the same woman at a location in Dublin on dates in 2012 and early 2013.

The father of four was scheduled to appear before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court today where he was due to be arraigned, meaning he would indicate how he intended to plead to the charges.

Mr Maguire is formerly of Millbrook Avenue, in Kilbarrack, Dublin, but the District Court heard previously that he is living now in Bundoran, Co Donegal.

At his court appearance last July Judge Mary Ellen Ring remanded Maguire on continuing bail to appear before the court today.

Ronan Kennedy BL, defending, told the court on that date that his client had discharged himself from a hospital in Sligo in order to attend court.

Pieter Le Vert BL, prosecuting, told the court that the accused is accessing mental health services and that “there are certain concerns”.

Today Judge Ring issued a warrant for his arrest. Mr Kennedy asked that some discretion be exercised in the execution of the warrant “in light of the circumstances”. He said the matter is one of “some delicacy”.

Originally published: 16.24