Donegal's district court judge yesterday threatened to strike out a firearms charge against a member of the Garda if the State was not ready to proceed with the case next month.
Judge John O'Donnell issued his warning to prosecuting garda Supt John McFadden, who had sought an extension of time for service of the book of evidence on behalf of the State.
The charge against Sgt John White of Dreenan, Ballybofey, related to the alleged unlawful possession of a firearm at Ballyderowen, Burnfoot, on May 22nd, 1998.
Sgt White is the first member of the Garda in Donegal to be arrested as a result of the Carty Report into alleged corruption by some members of the force in Donegal.
Mr Frank Dorrian, solicitor for Sgt White, applied for the charge to be struck out, saying that if the State was not ready it should not bring the charges. Supt McFadden told the court it was a "complex case".
He said it involved a very intense investigation and a file had been submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Judge John O'Donnell said that from the nature of the charge the investigation should not take so long. "If it is not ready by November I will strike it out," he said.
The garda sergeant was remanded on continuing bail until November 1st.