Garda trial jury begins deliberations

A jury has begun its deliberations in the trial of a Dublin-based Garda accused of insurance fraud and harassment.

Garda Paul Fogarty, who is also involved with Shelbourne Football Club, has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Gda Fogarty, a Dundrum based Garda, is accused of crashing his Toyota Celica on the M50 in January 2008 before reporting it stolen.

During the trial, the court heard evidence from Christopher Kelly, a self-confessed "dodgy" car dealer.

He claims he fixed the car but that Fogarty wasn't happy with it and sent over 600 abusive messages, one of which threatened to "break his legs".

After returning it a second time, Mr Kelly says the serving Garda had trouble selling it and asked him to make it "disappear".

On his claim to Quinn Direct on June 12, 2009, Fogarty described how the car was stolen from outside his granny's house.

His claim was successful and the insurance company paid out over €10,000.

The court heard yesterday how Fogarty works as a technical director with Shelbourne FC.

Derek Farrell, manager of the U16s side, said he is highly respected in the club and has helped at least three players progress to international level.

The jury was sent out to begin its deliberations at 11.30 this morning.