THE TRIAL OF a Limerick car dealer accused of allegedly paying a garda in return for information about a Criminal Assets Bureau investigation into his business has collapsed. 

Stephen O’Sullivan (43) had pleaded not guilty to giving or agreeing to give to Detective Garda David Bourke a monetary gain as an inducement to reveal confidential information concerning an investigation being carried out by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) in relation to Stephen Bawn Motors trading as Bawn Motors.

O’Sullivan, of Farrehy, Broadford, Co Limerick, is a director of the business.

His trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court started last week. The charge relates to the single count of corruption at Bruree, Co Limerick on December 22, 2018.

Judge Sinéad Ní Chúalacáin told the jury that she would have to send them home and thanked them for their time.  

“I have to apologise, unfortunately an issue arose at the weekend that we are not capable of resolving, it is going to take more time than available to resolve. I have to discharge you.

“A matter needs to be investigated. I expect you will be wondering, but I am not in a position to tell you what is happening.

“Some matters [in this trial] are very sensitive – I can’t tell you what happened. I can’t tell you what is going to happen next. I expect in due course that a new jury will be sworn,” she said.

The judge adjourned the case for mention on 20 February next.