Former garda in court on corruption charge

Former Garda Tarrant (left) leaving court in Navan yesterday with his solicitor Cahir O'Higgins

Helena Bruton: denies charge of disclosing data

Former Garda Tarrant (left) leaving court in Navan yesterday with his solicitor Cahir O'Higgins

Helena Bruton: denies charge of disclosing data

Former Garda Tarrant (left) leaving court in Navan yesterday with his solicitor Cahir O'Higgins

Elaine Keogh

April 18 2012 04:47 AM

A FORMER garda appeared in court yesterday to face a number of allegations -- including one of corruption.

Daniel Tarrant (50), of Doon, Kiskeam, Mallow, Co Cork, and a co-accused, Helena Bruton (51), of Cluain Ri, Ashbourne, Co Meath, both appeared before Dunshaughlin District Court.

Garda Inspector Jody Crowe, with the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, gave evidence of arresting and charging both at Navan garda station yesterday morning shortly before the court appearance.

He told Judge Patrick McMahon that both accused had replied "not guilty" when charged.

The judge was told the DPP had directed they be sent forward to the current sittings of the Dublin Circuit Court.

Mr Tarrant faces three allegations. The first is that on October 9, 2009, at Cluain Ri, Ashbourne, he was in possession of a single-barrel shotgun without the proper firearms certificate.

He also faces an allegation that on July 16, 2009, at Finglas garda station, he did an act in relation to his office or position for the purpose of corruptly obtaining a gift, consideration or advantage for himself or another person. This offence is contrary to section 8 of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The third charge alleges that on a date unknown between November 9, 2008, and May 15, 2009, he disclosed personal data processed by him without the prior authority of the Data Controller.

Ms Bruton faces a charge which alleges that on July 16, 2009, at Finglas garda station, she obtained access to personal data or obtained access to information constituting such data, without the prior authority of the Data Controller and that she disclosed the data or information to another person.

Defence solicitor Cahir O'Higgins asked for legal aid for both. In relation to Mr Tarrant, he told the judge that his client was a former garda and the corruption charge he faced was "very serious", and was breaking new ground in Irish law. He asked for the legal aid to cover both a junior and a senior counsel. Judge McMahon said that was a matter for the circuit court. Legal aid was also assigned to Ms Bruton.

Both were sent forward for trial and remanded on bail on their own bond of €200.

Speaking outside court, Mr O'Higgins, for Mr Tarrant, said the allegation of corruption "will be robustly defended".