Thursday 29 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 11082Unauthorised disclosure of personal data; perverting the course of justice; interfering with a garda investigation · Co. Dublin

Billy Duffy and Garda David McHugh sent forward for trial over alleged data and justice offences

Billy Duffy, 55, of Arklow, Co Wicklow, and Garda David McHugh are accused of offences including unauthorised disclosure of personal data and perverting the course of justice, with alleged conduct dating from 2018 to 2022. Duffy is charged with asking another garda to interfere with a court prosecution between 25 October and 13 December 2018, and with obtaining personal information from McHugh and disclosing it between 2019 and 2022. McHugh is charged with 11 offences, including disclosing confidential Garda Pulse information about a sudden death investigation in Bray, Co Wicklow. On 9 February 2026 both were sent forward for trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, with Duffy sent forward on bail and the case listed for mention on 21 May.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court9 Feb
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • Billy Duffy is charged with perverting the course of justice and with obtaining and disclosing personal details of individuals from a garda.
  • Garda David McHugh is charged with 11 offences, including unauthorised disclosure of personal data and interfering with a garda investigation.
Where
Duffy is of Meadow Vale, Arklow, Co Wicklow, and the sudden death investigation concerned Bray, Co Wicklow.
When
The alleged data offences took place on various dates from 2019 to 2022, and the alleged interference between 25 October and 13 December 2018.
Charges
  • Duffy faces nine counts under section 145 of the Data Protection Act for obtaining personal information from McHugh and disclosing it.
  • Duffy faces a tenth charge of perverting the course of justice by asking another garda to interfere with a court prosecution.
  • It is alleged that McHugh disclosed confidential Garda Pulse information about a sudden death investigation to a co-accused on 8 November 2018 and 2 December 2021.
  • McHugh is charged with deliberately interfering with a garda investigation and giving false details to the investigating officer between 29 November 2018 and 3 January 2019.
Investigation
Detective Sergeant Kieran Kilcoyne of the Garda Anti-Corruption Unit served a book of evidence on Duffy at Dublin District Court.
In court
  • On 9 February 2026, Duffy and McHugh appeared before Judge Treasa Kelly at Dublin District Court, and the DPP directed that they face trial on indictment.
  • Duffy was sent forward on bail to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where the case is listed for mention on 21 May.
  • Legal aid was granted to Duffy, and the Anti-Corruption Unit was ordered to provide the defence with copies of the interview videos.
Other details
Duffy has not yet entered a plea and was warned to give notice within 14 days if he intends to use an alibi.
15 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatBilly Duffy has been sent forward to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for trial. (rte.ie)
  • investigationA detective sergeant from the Garda Anti-Corruption Unit served a book of evidence on Duffy. (rte.ie)
  • chargeDuffy is charged with perverting the course of justice and obtaining and disclosing details on individuals from a garda. (rte.ie)
  • chargeDuffy faces nine counts under section 145 of the Data Protection Act for obtaining personal information from Garda David McHugh and disclosing it on various dates from 2019 to 2022. (rte.ie)
  • chargeDuffy faces a tenth charge of perverting the course of justice by asking another garda to interfere with a court prosecution between 25 October and 13 December 2018. (rte.ie)
  • chargeMcHugh is charged with 11 offences. (rte.ie)
  • chargeIt is alleged that McHugh disclosed confidential Garda Pulse information to a co-accused about a sudden death investigation in Bray, Co Wicklow, on 8 November 2018 and 2 December 2021. (rte.ie)
  • chargeMcHugh is charged with deliberately interfering with a garda investigation and giving false details to the investigating officer, between 29 November 2018 and 3 January 2019. (rte.ie)
  • chargeEight data protection charges allege McHugh obtained personal data about another person without authorisation and passed it on. (rte.ie)
  • courtDuffy appeared before Judge Treasa Kelly at Dublin District Court. (rte.ie)
  • courtThe DPP directed that Duffy face trial on indictment. (rte.ie)
  • courtDuffy was sent forward on bail to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, with the case listed for mention on 21 May. (rte.ie)
  • courtLegal aid was granted to Duffy, and the Anti-Corruption Unit was ordered to provide the defence with copies of the interview videos. (rte.ie)
  • courtGarda David McHugh was also sent forward for trial to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. (rte.ie)
  • otherDuffy has yet to enter a plea and was warned to give notice within 14 days if he intends to use an alibi. (rte.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 9 Feb2026
    In courtrte.ie, first report
    Man in court accused of obtaining information from garda

    Reports the return-for-trial hearing at Dublin District Court for Billy Duffy and Garda David McHugh, who is a co-accused. Gives the charges, the court dates and the bail and alibi details. The alleged offences date from 2018 to 2022.

    accused, Billy Duffy, 55, male, named, irish (judged from name)Billy Duffyaccused, David McHugh, 37, male, named, irish (judged from name)David McHugh