Last week, the jury heard closing submissions from barristers for all five accused, who said the investigation by the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI) and subsequent prosecution of the five accused was “nonsense”.

The trial, which is in its eighth week before Limerick Circuit Criminal Court, is in its final stages with barristers delivering six separate closing speeches on behalf of the prosecution and five accused.

Closing speeches began on Wednesday in the trial of retired Superintendent Eamon O’Neill, Sergeant Anne Marie Hassett, Sergeant Michelle Leahy, Garda Tom McGlinchey, and Garda Colm Geary.

The five accused, who are on trial at Limerick Circuit Court, have denied a total of 39 counts of the unlawful quashing of pending or potential summonses for alleged motoring offences including speeding, holding a mobile phone while driving, non-wearing of seat-belts, driving without insurance.

Walter O’Sullivan denies personal motives as five face charges over alleged summons interference

They are retired superintendent Eamon O’Neill; serving Sergeants Michelle Leahy, and Anne-Marie Hassett; Garda Tom McGlinchey, and Garda Colm Geary, all within Limerick and Clare Garda Divisions.

The five accused, who each pleaded not guilty in court, are facing a total of 42 counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice in relation to fixed charge penalty notices.