EchoLive.ie, 26 Apr
The case against a former Fianna Fáil Councillor has been struck out
due to a lack of directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Case against former Cork councillor struck out
Joseph O’Donovan, formerly known as Gary O’Flynn, who was present in
court, then left.
Liam Heylin
The case against a former Fianna Fáil councillor for allegedly
harassing a woman in Cork city was struck out because of the failure of
the Director of Public Prosecutions to give directions in the case by
today.
The case had been listed peremptorily against the state.
Defence solicitor, Frank Buttimer, reminded Judge Olann Kelleher that
he had indicated on March 1 that the case would be struck out if
directions were not given by the DPP.
Sergeant John Kelleher said: “The investigation is still ongoing.
"Unfortunately, we have no DPP directions."
The judge then struck out the case as he had indicated that he would.
Joseph O’Donovan, formerly known as Gary O’Flynn, who was present in
court, then left.
In cases that are struck out because of a delay in giving directions,
it is possible for the gardaí to bring the same charges against a
defendant at a later date.
The accused resides at his home in Melvindale House, Coolowen,
Blarney.
His bail conditions to date required him to have no contact, direct or
indirect, with the alleged injured party in the case.
Joseph O’Donovan, formerly known as Gary O’Flynn, had been charged
contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997, for
the alleged offences of harassment between July 30 and August 6 of this
year at a location in Cork city.