Police officer accused of leaking Garda Pulse personal data of 14 people to man accused of drug trafficking – The Irish Times

A police officer has appeared in court accused of unauthorized disclosure of Garda Pulse personal data on 14 people to a co-accused charged with a drug trafficking offence.

At Ennis District Court, Shane Flanagan (39) of Lifford Road, Ennis, Co Clare, faces 14 separate charges of disclosing personal data on the Garda Pulse information system to another person between January 12 and September 24, 2020.

The charges relate to Mr Flanagan’s disclosure, without authority, of personal data from the Garda Pulse system to Colm Meere (43) of Knockanean, Ennis, of 14 separate individuals. Only their initials are provided as part of the charges in order to protect their identities. The individuals’ initials are listed as: LL, FS, LMc, RN, SH, DC, WS, LG, GL, NC, KR, KD, DD and IS.

Mr Flanagan is charged under the Data Protection Act. He has not responded to being served with a formal notice.

Mr Flanagan's co-accused, Mr Meere, is charged with inducing Shane Flanagan to disclose personal data from the Garda Pulse information system, also under the Data Protection Act.

Mr Meere also faces a drug trafficking charge under the Criminal Justice Act 2007.

Inspector David Finnerty told the court there was no objection to bail provided Mr Meere had no contact with his co-accused, Shane Flanagan.

Sgt John Burke said the Director of Public Prosecutions' direction is that both cases should proceed on an indictment basis and that evidence collections will be required.

Judge Alec Gabbett remanded both men in custody and remanded them in custody at Ennis District Court on September 4.