Donegal Garda accused of harassing a woman remanded in custody

A garda accused of harassing a woman has been brought before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on foot of a bench warrant after he failed to appear yesterday.
38-year-old Garda Donal Maguire is charged with harassing one woman at a location in Dublin over a period in 2012. He is also charged with harassing the same woman at a location in Dublin on dates in 2012 and early 2013.
The father of four was scheduled to appear yesterday where he was due to indicate how he intended to plead to the charges.
Mr Maguire is formerly of Millbrook Avenue, in Kilbarrack, Dublin, but the District Court heard previously that he is living now in Bundoran, Co Donegal.
Judge Mary Ellen Ring issued a warrant for his arrest yesterday when she was informed by his defence counsel Ronan Kennedy that he was not present.
Inspector Colm Murphy told Pieter Le Vert prosecuting, today that he called to Gda Maguire’s mother’s home in Bundoran and arrested him to bring him before the court.
He said the accused told him he didn’t have the money to come to Dublin for court but the garda said he doesn’t accept that explanation.
Mr Le Vert told Judge Ring that it was the State’s application for a remand in custody.
Insp Murphy agreed with Mr Kennedy that Gda Maguire was living with his mother in Donegal and although there was significant media attention about his case yesterday, he remained at his home.
Mr Kennedy said his client apologised for not being present yesterday and he didn’t mean any disrespect to the court.
Counsel said there was no application for bail and asked for a short adjournment to allow him to take instructions. He said he may wish to move an application for bail then.
Mr Kennedy said there are some concerns for his client’s welfare and asked that he get any treatment the authorities deem necessary while in custody.
Judge Ring confirmed that Gda Maguire has not yet entered a plea in the case and therefore is still presumed innocent. She advised that the media should be aware of this in any reports.
She remanded Gda Maguire in custody until November 10 next when his case will be for mention before her.