LATEST: Two serving gardai appear in court in the midlands accused of corruption offences

Two serving gardaí who are based in the midlands have appeared in court charged with corruption-related offences.

The defendants - Sergeant James Muldowney of Greenville, Caltra, Ballinasloe, County Galway and Garda Brian Carroll of Ballinaboy, Kilteevan, County Roscommon - are serving members in the Longford-Mayo-Roscommon Garda Division.

They were publicly identified for the first time when they appeared before Judge Michael Connellan at Longford District Court.

Garda Carroll (42) is charged with disclosing confidential information on September 9, 2021 to another individual at Esquires Coffee, N4 Axis Centre, Longford and with attempting to obstruct the course of justice contrary to Section 62 (1) and (2) of the Garda Siochana Act.

The charge alleges he "obtained (information) in the course of carrying out duties in this office, employment contract or business or other arrangements knowing the disclosure of said information was likely to have a harmful effect".

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Garda Carroll is also charged with perverting the course of justice where it is alleged he intentionally damaged his mobile phone prior to a garda search of his home at Ballinaboy, Kilteevan on March 16, 2022.

Sgt Muldowney (47) has been charged with stealing property, namely a quantity of cash at a property at Ardnacassa on September 29, 2021.

He is also charged with allegedly using 'harm, threatening, menace, intimidate or put fear in another person 'with the intention of causing the investigation or the course of justice to be obstructed or interfered with'.

Detective Sergeant Paul Dowling of the Garda Anti-Corruption Unit (GACU) said Mr Carroll was arrested on July 28 last shortly after 10am at Granard garda station in Longford and was subsequently charged.

He stated Mr Carroll was cautioned and he made no reply when the charges were put to them.

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Detective Sgt Dowling said Mr Muldowney was also arrested shortly after 10am on July 28 and he also made no reply when he was cautioned after the charges were put to him.

Detective Sgt Dowling informed Judge Connellan the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had directed trial by indictment in respect of Mr Carroll and Mr Muldowney.

The court heard the DPP has also agreed both accused could be sent forward on a ‘signed plea should this arise’.

Sgt Dowling informed Judge Connellan the book of evidence may be completed and ready within eight weeks.

Niall Flynn, BL, defending, said his client, Mr Carroll, is protesting his innocence and he is "anxious to clear his name".

Judge Connellan remanded Mr Carroll on continuing bail to appear again at Longford District Court on October 14 next.

Solicitor Diarmuid Quinn, who represented Mr Muldowney, said his client had requested that he not be reuired to attend court if the book of evidence is not ready by the next court sitting.

Judge Connellan agreed to the request and he also directed Mr Muldowney not to make contact directly or indirectly with the witnesses in the case.

He also remanded Mr Muldowney on continuing bail until October 14 next at Longford District Court. 

Mr Carroll and Mr Muldowney were charged with corruption offences after GACU investigated allegations that they were involved in perverting the course of justice and released on station bail.

Neither of the defendants spoke and they were not required to enter a plea during the short preliminary hearing.

The two men have served in An Garda Síochána for a significant number of years based on their combined service and level of experience.