Garda got drivers to give to charity lieu of penalty points, court hears

A Co Meath based garda induced drivers stopped for motoring offences to make a donation to the 3T's suicide awareness and prevention charity as an alternative to receiving penalty points Trim Circuit Court heard today.

Mark Egan (37) who is stationed at Dunshaughlin Garda Station pleaded not guilty to three charges of corruptly preventing the issuing of fixed penalty notices, one charge of corruptly getting a fixed penalty notice struck out and four charges of inducing the motorists to disclose credit cards details with the intention of dishonestly making a gain by deception for the 3T's charity in October 2012.

Prosecutor Brendan Grehan told the court the offences had been committed in Ratoath, Dunshaughlin, Trim and Navan while the defendant had been carrying out his normal road traffic duties.

The court heard the motorists sanctioned credit card payments totalling €190 to the charity.

Garda Egan had not benefitted personally from what he had done , the prosecutor said.

The trial continues before Judge Leonie Reynolds and a jury of six men and six women tomorrow.