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. 7552Unlawful disclosure of personal data · Co. Dublin

Garda sergeant and another man sent forward for trial over alleged data sharing

Sgt Thomas Bowe (51), of Naas Garda station in Co Kildare, and Niall Sheehy (58), of Ballinteskin, Stradbally, Co Laois, were charged under section 145 of the Data Protection Act over alleged disclosure of personal information from the Pulse system obtained without authority in 2019. The charges followed an NBCI investigation, which in March 2020 led to a search of Mr Sheehy's home. Sgt Bowe faces 21 charges and Mr Sheehy 10, and at Dublin District Court Judge Treasa Kelly sent both men forward for trial, ruling the case too serious for the District Court. The men were remanded on bail with conditions not to contact each other, and the case will be listed at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on October 19th, while a third co-accused's case was adjourned until October because he could not attend on medical grounds.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court8 Sep
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • A Garda sergeant and another man were sent forward for trial over alleged unlawful sharing of personal information from the Pulse computer system.
  • A Garda member allegedly forwarded Pulse screenshots containing personal information to Mr Sheehy on 10 occasions.
When
The alleged disclosure of personal information obtained without authority took place in 2019.
Where
Sgt Bowe is of Naas Garda station in Co Kildare, and Mr Sheehy is of Ballinteskin, Stradbally, Co Laois.
Investigation
Gardaí attached to the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation investigated the matter, and in March 2020 the investigation led to a search of Mr Sheehy's home.
Charges
  • Both men were charged with offences under section 145 of the Data Protection Act.
  • Sgt Bowe faces 21 charges and Mr Sheehy faces 10.
  • The DPP directed that Sgt Bowe must face trial on indictment, and he has not yet indicated a plea.
Other details
The prosecution said Mr Sheehy forwarded the data to two others and that there was no financial reward for the information.
In court
  • Judge Treasa Kelly at Dublin District Court sent the men forward for trial, holding that the case was too serious for the District Court.
  • The case will be listed at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on October 19th.
  • The accused men were remanded on bail with conditions not to contact each other.
  • A third co-accused could not attend court on medical grounds, and his case was adjourned until October.
Sentence
No sentence has been imposed; the offence carries a fine of up to €50,000, up to five years' imprisonment, or both.
14 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA Garda sergeant and another man were sent forward for trial over alleged unlawful sharing of personal information from the Pulse computer system. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatA Garda member forwarded Pulse screenshots containing personal information to Mr Sheehy on 10 occasions. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationThe charges followed an investigation by gardaí attached to the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationIn March 2020 the NBCI investigated a member of the Garda, which led to a search of Mr Sheehy's home. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeThe men were charged with offences under section 145 of the Data Protection Act for disclosure of personal information obtained without authority in 2019. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeSgt Bowe faces 21 charges and Mr Sheehy faces 10. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe men appeared before Judge Treasa Kelly at Dublin District Court. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe judge ordered the accused men sent for trial to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where the case will be listed on October 19th. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe judge held that the case was too serious for the District Court and should go to the Circuit Court, which has wider sentencing powers. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe accused men were remanded on bail with conditions not to contact each other. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtA third co-accused could not attend court on medical grounds and his case was adjourned until October. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe DPP directed that Sgt Bowe must face trial on indictment, and he has not yet indicated a plea. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe prosecution said Mr Sheehy forwarded the data to two others and that there was no financial reward for the information. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe offence can result in a fine not exceeding €50,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 8 Sep2023
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    Garda sergeant sent forward for trial over alleged unlawful sharing of personal data

    Reports the District Court appearance at which the accused were sent forward for trial, with the number of charges against each man, bail conditions, and a third co-accused whose case was adjourned. The offences date from 2019 and the investigation began in March 2020.

    accused, Thomas Bowe, 51, named, irish (judged from name)Thomas Boweaccused, Niall Sheehy, 58, male, named, irish (judged from name)Niall Sheehy