A Garda Superintendent has appeared in court accused of assaulting a woman during an alleged incident in Dublin, reports Breaking News.
Gavin O’Reilly, whose summons lists his address as Phoenix Park, appeared before Judge Michele Finan at Dublin District Court on Friday.
He faces charges of assaulting a named woman on Strand Street Great on August 26th, 2023, as well as a related charge of engaging in threatening, abusive, and insulting behaviour on the same date.
The charges stem from an investigation by the Garda Ombudsman (Gsoc). State solicitor Rory Staines informed Judge Michele Finan that this was the first time the case was being heard in court, reports Breaking News.
Mr Staines confirmed that Mr O’Reilly was present and standing at the back of the courtroom, though he was not required to step forward.
The State solicitor requested an adjournment in order to comply with a disclosure order, reports Breaking News.
The defence consented to the adjournment, with the accused’s lawyer stating that he had discussed the matter with his client, who did not speak during the hearing.
The defence also asked for the hearing to be scheduled “the earliest date possible.”
Judge Finan adjourned the case to the contested hearing court, listing it for mention on April 7th, when a hearing date will be assigned, reports Breaking News.
She also directed that prosecution evidence be disclosed to the defence.
Since the State solicitor had no objections, Judge Finan allowed Mr O’Reilly to be excused from attending the next hearing, reports Breaking News.
She told him, “You will get your hearing date next door.” He did not respond and then left the courtroom.
Mr O’Reilly was not required to address the proceedings, and no details about the alleged incident were presented during the brief hearing, reports Breaking News.
The assault charge, under section two of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, is handled at the District Court level and carries a maximum sentence of six months.
The second charge, under section six of the Public Order Act, carries a potential prison sentence of up to three months upon conviction, reports Breaking News.
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