Dublin mans trial delayed after vital Garda witness went to Spain

THE trial of a man accused of making threats to kill has been delayed because a vital Garda witness has gone to Spain.

Legal teams for the prosecution and defence were ready to begin the trial of Leroy Roche, Emmet Road, Inchicore, at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court today, but counsel for the DPP told Judge Patricia Ryan that the Garda left the jurisdiction last night.

Calling it “an extraordinary situation from An Garda Síochána”, Judge Ryan asked Detective Garda Daniel Tracy to be sworn in to explain the absence of his colleague.

Det Gda Tracy told Judge Ryan that despite being told he was needed in court, the Garda had flown to Spain yesterday evening and would be back next week.

The nature of the Garda’s visit to Spain was unclear, with Det Gda Tracy saying he had gone to attend a show.

Judge Ryan asked if the Garda “was just chancing it that the trial wouldn’t get on”, to which Det Gda Tracy replied he did not know.

Judge Ryan adjourned the case until Friday, October 23 and asked that the missing Garda be present on that date to explain his movements.

Declan Conlon