A Detective Garda and a director of a car sales firm targeted by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) are both to face trial on charges linked to a major investigation into alleged Garda corruption.
The probe into alleged wrongdoing and malpractice in the southern division is being led by the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI), based in Dublin.
Detective Garda David Bourke, (48), with an address at Main Street, Oola in Co Limerick, was charged with "corruptly obtaining a monetary gift, consideration or advantage from Stephen O'Sullivan" - a director of Bawn Motors, a car sales firm located at Ballysimon Road, Limerick, contrary to Section 7 (2) of the Criminal Justice (Corruption Offences) Act, 2018.
It is also alleged Detective Bourke obtained the monetary gift during the course of his employment with An Garda Síochána for revealing to Mr O'Sullivan confidential information about a CAB investigation in relation to Bawn Motors, Section 5 (2) (B) of the Criminal Justice (Corruption Offences) Act, 2018.
Mr O'Sullivan, (37), with an address at Farrehy, Broadford in Co Limerick was charged with one offence: that he did corruptly give or agree to give Detective Garda Bourke a monetary gift, consideration, or advantage, for Detective Garda Bourke revealing to him confidential information concerning a CAB investigation into Bawn Motors, of which Mr O'Sullivan was a company director of at the time.
All three charges are alleged to have occurred on December 22nd 2018 at Bruree, Co Limerick.
Both accused were each granted bail on their own bonds of €300, which does not have to be lodged.
Appearing before Limerick District Court both defendants - who appeared separately - only spoke to confirm their signatures on the bond sheets which were signed in court.
Detective Inspector Michael McNulty, NBCI, told the court he arrested Detective Garda Bourke at 8.25am this Friday morning at a location in Co Tipperary.
The court heard Detective Garda Bourke was then brought to Shannon Garda station in Co Clare, where he was charged with two offences at 11.20am by Garda Michael Newport.
He "made no reply" to each charge after caution, it was heard.
Solicitor Tom Kiely, representing Detective Garda Bourke, said he had "no questions" regarding his client's arrest.
"Consent to bail with conditions attached have been agreed," Mr Kiely told the court.
Judge Marian O'Leary granted Detective Garda Bourke bail on condition he sign on twice weekly at Tipperary Town Garda station, between 6.00am and 9.00pm; surrender his passport and not apply for a duplicate travel documentation; be contactable at all times; and that he reside at his home address in Oola, Co Limerick.
Detective Inspector McNulty said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had directed Detective Garda Bourke face trial on indictment.
Detective Sergeant Dave Gilmore, NBCI, gave evidence of arresting Stephen O'Sullivan at 8.57am, Friday in Broadford, Co Limerick.
Mr O'Sullivan, who the court heard is currently working in Newmarket, was taken to Shannon Garda station, where he was charged at 10.30am with one offence by Garda Michael Newport.
Mr O'Sullivan granted bail on a number of strict conditions - including that Mr O'Sullivan sign on twice weekly at Kantruk Garda station, Co Cork; that he resides at his home address in Broadford, Co Limerick.
He must also notify Gardaí in writing if he intends to change his address.
Judge O'Leary remanded both defendants on bail, to appear before Limerick District Court again on Friday September 13th, for service of the State's book of evidence on each accused.
Reporting by David Raleigh
