Donegal garda accused of giving false information returned for Circuit Court trial

A member of An Garda Siochana in Donegal has been served with a book of evidence after being accused of giving false information.

Garda Ian Oates appeared before Letterkenny District Court.

Garda Sergeant Gerard Dalton told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has directed that Garda Oates be sent forward to the next session of Letterkenny Circuit Court in May.

The 41-year-old is accused of an offence contrary to section 12(a) of the Criminal Law Act, 1976. He is accused that he did knowingly make a false statement, tending to show that an offence had been committed.

The date of the alleged offence is December 9, 2020 at a location unknown within the State.

Garda Sergeant Brendan McCann gave evidence of serving Garda Oates with a book of evidence in the case this afternoon at Letterkenny Courthouse.

Garda Oates' solicitor, Mr Patsy Gallagher, told the court that no other charges had been added to the indictment.

He said that he was requesting one counsel for his client at this stage. No specific details of the charge were given in court.

Judge Eiteain Cunningham applied the alibi warning and legal aid was granted to Mr Gallagher.

The case was adjourned to the next sitting of Letterkenny Circuit Court commencing on May 20.