Garda on trial for allegedly stealing from former Minister for Justice

By David Raleigh

A Garda has gone on trial accused of stealing more than €3,000 from the former Minister for Justice.

Ciaran Folan, (44), of Ramstown, Fethardon-sea, County Wexford, has pleaded not guilty to five counts of theft.

The offences are alleged to have happened "within the State" on dates between September 6, 2007 and January 31, 2008.

It is claimed Garda Folan, who at the time was based in Clifden, Co Galway, "procured unauthorised payments" from his then employer, the late Minister for Justice, Brian Lenihan.

Garda Folan is accused of stealing sums ranging from the lowest amount €357.78 to the highest amount €1,056, which came to a total of €3,309.46.

A jury of eight women and four men has been sworn in to hear evidence in the trial at Limerick Circuit Court.

The jury has been told the trial is likely to last a week.