A Co Clare-based garda appeared in court yesterday charged with insulting, abusive and threatening behaviour in Shannon last March.
It was the second appearance by Garda Pat Keating (32), of Woodlands, Ennis, in the District Court in a month, after he appeared at Limerick District Court on August 18th charged with threatening a woman due to appear in the public order case against him.
At that court, Garda Keating - who remains suspended from the force - was charged under Section 41 of the Criminal Justice Act that at Ballycasey, Shannon, he did threaten or menace a witness in proceedings for an offence with the intention of causing the course of justice to be perverted, obstructed or interfered with.
At Shannon District Court yesterday , accompanied by central executive member of the Garda Representative Association, Mr Michael Kirby, Garda Keating appeared on a charge of engaging in insulting, abusive and threatening behaviour in the car-park of the Shannon Knights pub, Shannon, on March 13th .
In relation to the first charge, Clare's State Solicitor, Mr Martin Linnane, told the court that the State would be seeking an adjournment to October 14th as he was awaiting further instructions from the DPP.
Acting on behalf of Garda Keating, solicitor Mr Joe Chambers requested copies of Garda statements in each case. This was granted by Judge Joseph Mangan who directed Insp Tom Kennedy to provide the statements.
Garda Keating was remanded on the same bail terms to reappear before Shannon District Court on October 14th. These terms stipulate that he must stay away from the six named witnesses in the public order case.