Court told Garda is to apply to have his trial separated from a colleague
A Garda is to apply to have a trial separated from a colleague who is also facing charges.
A Garda accused of allegedly disclosing confidential information to another individual and allegedly attempting to obstruct the course of justice in 2021, is to apply to have his trial separated from a colleague who is also facing criminal charges.
Garda Brian Carroll (42), with an address at Ballinaboy, Kilteevan, County Roscommon, appeared before Judge Kenneth Connolly at a sitting of Longford Circuit Court today, Tuesday, where it was heard he would require a pre-trial hearing to make an application to have his trial heard separately to that of Sergeant James Muldowney (47), with an address at Greenville, Caltra, Ballinasloe, County Galway.
Garda Carroll is charged with allegedly disclosing confidential information on September 9th, 2021, to another individual at Esquires Coffee, N4 Axis Centre, Longford, and allegedly attempting to obstruct the course of justice contrary to Section 62 (1) and (2) of the Garda Síochána Act.
It is alleged that he disclosed the information, which was obtained in the course of his duties, “knowing the disclosure of said information was likely to have a harmful effect”. It is also alleged that he damaged his mobile phone prior to the lawful search of his home in connection with the investigation on March 16th, 2022.
Sgt Muldowney is charged with allegedly stealing a sum of cash from a property at Palace Drive, Ardnacassa, Longford, on September 29th, 2021. He is also charged with allegedly attempting to obstruct the course of justice during an incident in Roscommon Town on January 17th, 2024.
Both officers were arrested by appointment at Granard Garda Station on July 28th of last year, and made no reply when charged.
Gda Carroll’s case will come before the court again on October 22nd for a pre-trial hearing and to determine whether or not his case should be heard separately to Sgt Muldowney’s.
The case of Sgt Muldowney is affected by the legal aid dispute, the court heard, and has therefore been adjourned to December 1st, 2026.
Both men have been remanded on continuing bail to their respective dates.
*Published as part of the Court Reporting Scheme.
