A 38-YEAR-OLD garda accused of the attempted robbery of a shop was rearrested and brought before Cork District Court yesterday afternoon after a bench warrant was issued earlier in the day when he failed to appear for the court hearing.
Mario Boersma, of Rosebay Drive, Forest Hill, Carrigaline, Co Cork, was charged at a special sitting of Cork District Court on Sunday with the attempted robbery of Susan Stenning at Kilmoney Stores, Carrigaline, the previous day.
He was due back in court yesterday morning in connection with Saturday’s alleged attempted robbery. Garda Boersma appeared in court at the commencement of yesterday’s Cork District Court sitting but was absent when his case was called shortly before lunchtime.
When he failed to appear before Judge Eamon O’Brien, a bench warrant was issued for his arrest on the application of Garda Insp Billy Duane.
Gardaí arrested Mr Boersma in Crosshaven, Co Cork, yesterday afternoon.
His solicitor, Frank Buttimer, told the court that his client presented himself at the courthouse in Anglesea Street at 10.30am yesterday.
He said Mr Boersma appeared to be unwell and anxious and that, when the stress of the case became too much for him, he left the courthouse.
“He did attend court at 10.30am but he was under a degree of distress and medically unwell. I would ask that it be noted he was here originally but was somewhat unwell.”
The court heard of Mr Boersma’s long history of alcohol dependency.
Judge Leo Malone agreed to remand him on bail until tomorrow, on condition that he immediately present himself to a rehabilitation facility for a 12-week programme.
Garda Boersma is stationed in Celbridge, Co Kildare, but has been on leave on health grounds for the last few months.