Kildare court: Garda accused of domestic violence

A member of An Garda Síochana appeared in Naas District Court on Thursday, January 19 for allegedly breaching a safety order against him designed to protect his ex-girlfriend.

The male garda appeared in an in-camera (in private) court session of Naas District Court.

Garda Sergeant Brian Jacob told Judge Desmond Zaidan that the defendant has been suspended, and that a senior Garda officer has been appointed to investigate the incident.

Defending solicitor David Powderly said that there is 'a huge number' of gardaí suspended at the moment.

He also told the judge that his client has faced 'a loss of work and prestige among his colleagues' as a result of the accusations, which he said are contested by his client.

"His colleagues shouldn’t treat him differently, he is presumed innocent," Judge Zaidan replied: "But even if he is found not guilty, this case will cloud him."

When it was heard that the defendant wished to resolve the case against him as soon as possible, Judge Zaidan adjourned the case to March 16 to allow for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

He also granted bail for the defendant until this date.