Garda accused of committing affray in Limerick

A DUBLIN-based garda has appeared in court in Limerick after he was charged in connection with an alleged fight in the city centre last summer.

Adrian Joyce, aged 31, with an address at Claremorris, County Mayo, is one of three people who appeared before Limerick Court today after they were charged with committing an affray under Section 16 of the Public Order (Criminal Justice) Act.

Garda Joyce, who is attached to Pearse Street garda station, was off duty at the time of the alleged offence.

His brother Nicholas Joyce, aged 40, with an address at Warrington, Lancashire in England and David McCarthy, aged 27, of Merval Drive, Clareview, Limerick also appeared before Limerick Court this morning.

The offence is alleged to have happened at O’Connell Street, Limerick on July 7, 2013.

During a brief hearing, Sergeant Gerard Staunton gave evidence of charging the three defendants at Henry Street Garda Station this morning.

The court heard none of them made any reply and Inspector Seamus Ruane said the Director of Public Prosecutions has elected for summary disposal of the case.

He said there was no objection to bail and he said gardai were not seeking the imposition of any bail conditions.

Solicitor Elizabeth Hughes, representing the Joyce brothers and solicitor John Herbert, representing Mr McCarthy sought the disclosure of the potential evidence in the case including any CCTV footage of the alleged incident.

Judge O’Kelly adjourned the case for six weeks until on April 2, next.