A German computer programmer has been given a five-month jail sentence for making a false complaint to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (Gsoc) that a garda sergeant planted drugs on him at a courthouse.
Thomas Stralkowski (57) formerly of St Columba's Road, Drumcondra, Dublin, but now living in Co Wicklow tried to frame a garda in letters sent to Gsoc, a court heard.
He pleaded not guilty to giving false and misleading information to Gsoc in February last year but was found guilty following his trial at Dublin District Court.
The case had been adjourned until Friday for a probation report on his suitability to carry out community service in lieu of prison.
Judge Ann Ryan noted Stralkowski was unwilling to comply with the Probation Service and it was also indicated that he intends to lodge an appeal. Finalising the case, she imposed a five-month sentence.
Gsoc investigating officer Carl Ryan said that, in a letter bearing Stralkowski's name, it was alleged by the author that Garda Sergeant Richard Thornton of Kilkenny station had "planted an illegal substances, drugs" on him at Trim Courthouse on February 3rd 2015.
The Gsoc officer said he viewed CCTV footage from Trim court and had concerns about the veracity of the claims. He said the footage showed Stralkowski in the foyer of Trim courthouse where Gda Sgt Thornton attempted to serve some documents on him but the man refused to accept them.
Mr Ryan wrote to Stralkowski and asked him to attend the Gsoc offices for an interview. He also warned him it was an offence to give false or misleading information to Gsoc. Mr Ryan said Stralkowski replied by letter and stood over his original allegations.
He also made derogatory remarks about the Gsoc officer, claimed gardaí were a corrupt, mafia-like organisation and also referred to Irish people as monkeys, the court was told.
The court heard that in the letters to Gsoc, Stralkowski called the sergeant a “corrupt police officer, Irish bastard”. In the letter he also claimed the sergeant tried to push a white illegal substance into his bag so he could charge him for it later.
He had also claimed to Gsoc that the garda had been bribed by another named man, described by Stralkowski as a thief. He also referred to Ireland as a banana republic and made claims that An Garda Síochána was a corrupt police force.
Judge Ryan rejected a defence submission that there was insufficient evidence or proof that Stralkowski was the author of the letters. Stralkowski, who has been living in Ireland for nine years, has 24 prior criminal convictions for theft, public order and motoring offences.
In 2014 he was ordered to carry out 200 hours community service. He also has other convictions in Germany going back to 1984, the court heard.
In mitigation pleas, defence counsel Karl Moran said his client was currently on jobseeker's allowance but was a computer programmer who had worked for Siemens for 25 years. He had family in Germany, had worked around the world and was a keen sportsman, the court was told.
In the event of an appeal, Judge Ryan set bail in Stralkowski’s own bond of €200 of which €100 has to be lodged.