Detective to face trial for allegedly accepting bribe from car dealer

The officer and the director of a car sales firm will both face trial on charges linked to a major investigation into alleged garda corruption.

It is being led by the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI), based in Dublin.

Det Gda David Bourke (48), with an address at Main Street, Oola, Co Limerick, was charged with "corruptly obtaining a monetary gift, consideration or advantage from Stephen O'Sullivan".

Mr O'Sullivan is a director of Bawn Motors, a car sales company located at Ballysimon Road, Limerick.

Confidential

It is alleged that Det Garda Bourke obtained the gift during the course of his employment with An Garda Siochana for revealing to Mr O'Sullivan confidential information about a CAB investigation in relation to Bawn Motors.

Mr O'Sullivan (37), with an address at Farrehy, Broadford, Co Limerick, was charged with one offence, that he corruptly gave or agreed to give Det Gda Bourke a monetary gift, consideration or advantage.

All three charges relate to incidents that are alleged to have happened last December 22 at Bruree, Co Limerick.

Both accused were granted bail in court on their own bonds of €300.

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.

Det Insp Michael McNulty, of the NBCI, told the court he arrested Det Gda Bourke at 8.25am on Friday at a location in Co Tipperary.

The court heard Det Gda Bourke was then taken to Shannon Garda Station in Co Clare, where he was charged with two offences at 11.20am by Gda Michael Newport.

He "made no reply" to each charge after caution, it was heard in court. Solicitor Tom Kiely, representing Det Gda 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 Det Gda Bourke bail on condition that he sign on twice weekly at Tipperary Town Garda Station between the hours of 6am and 9pm.

He must also surrender his passport and not apply for any duplicate travel documentation and be contactable by gardai at all times.

He was also told to reside at his home address in Oola, Co Limerick.

Det Insp McNulty said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had directed Det Gda Bourke to face trial on indictment.

Det Sgt Dave Gilmore, of the NBCI, gave evidence of arresting Stephen O'Sullivan at 8.57am on Friday in Broadford, Co Limerick.

Evidence

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 Gda Michael Newport.

Mr O'Sullivan was granted bail on a number of strict conditions, including that he sign on twice weekly at Kanturk Garda Station, Co Cork, and that he resides at his home address in Broadford, Co Limerick.

He must also notify gardai in writing if he intends to change his address.

Judge O'Leary remanded both defendants on bail to appear before Limerick District Court again next Friday for service of the book of evidence on each accused.