Garda faces trial for forging DPP letter

A garda has been sent for trial accused of using a forged letter purporting to be from the office of the DPP in connection with an criminal investigation.

Catherine McGowan, aged 46, who is attached to a Co Wicklow Garda station, appeared at Dublin District Court yesterday morning.

She had been charged in May under section 28 of the Theft and Fraud Offences Act 2001, for using a false instrument, at Bray Garda Station, in Co Wicklow, on Jun 21, 2011.

Her charge states it is alleged that on Jun 21, 2011, she used a letter from the office of the DPP dated Jan 14, 2009, “which was, and which you knew or believed to be, a false instrument with the intention of inducing another person to accept it as genuine and by reason of so accepting the said instrument to do some act or to make some omission, to the prejudice of that or any other person”.

A person found guilty of this type of offence can, on conviction, result in a fine and/or imprisonment for a term up to 10 years.

State solicitor Michael Durkan told Judge Victor Blake yesterday there was a single count on the indictment and the DPP has consented to Ms McGowan being returned for trial to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

The book of evidence had been drafted and was served on her during the short hearing.

The officer, who is from west Dublin, has not yet entered a plea to the charge. Judge Blake advised her that if she intended to use an alibi in her defence she must provide the prosecution with the details in writing within 14 days.

Judge Blake made an order sending Garda McGowan forward for trial and there was no objection to her being remanded on continuing bail of €100.

Defence solicitor Sean Costello said his client was seeking legal aid and handed in a statement of her means.

The garda then took up bail pending her next hearing which is scheduled to take place at the circuit court in Dublin on Oct 11 next.