Trial delayed because garda gone to Spain for week

The trial of a man accused of making threats to kill has been delayed because a garda has gone to Spain.

Legal teams for the prosecution and defence were ready on Thursday to begin the trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court of Leroy Roche of Emmet Road, Inchicore, Dublin, but counsel for the DPP told Judge Patricia Ryan that the garda left the jurisdiction on Wednesday 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 Garda Tracy told Judge Ryan that, despite being told he was needed in court, the garda had flown to Spain and would be back next week.

The nature of the garda’s visit to Spain was unclear, with Det Garda 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 Garda Tracy replied he did not know.

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