A notorious crime gang leader and convicted rapist is to contest an allegation of failing to provide gardai with a sample of his DNA for the DNA Database System.
Christy Griffin, 51, was jailed for life for the repeated rape of a girl over an eight year period in 2007.
However, that was reduced to 15 years on appeal and with a quarter off his sentence for remission.
Griffin has been keeping a low profile since his release in April 2018 from the Midlands Prison in Laois.
But now Griffin, of Canon Lillis Avenue, Seville Place in Dublin 1, has come to garda attention again after allegedly failing to attend Swords Garda Station on August 21, 2020 to have a DNA sample taken.
The offence is under Section 31 of the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Act 2014.
Upon conviction in the district court, a person faces up to 12 months in prison.
Yesterday, at Swords District Court, Griffin, who was not required to be in attendance, had a not guilty plea to the summons entered on his behalf by his legal counsel.
Sergeant Patricia McGarrity previously told the court the Director of Public Prosecutions has directed summary disposal of the case in the district court.
Defence barrister Deirdre Flannery said a not guilty plea can be entered and requested a hearing date, which Judge Conal Gibbons granted for next February.
An application for legal aid was made by Ms Flannery saying it is her understanding the accused is on social welfare.
However, Sgt McGarrity told the court a full statement of means was sought on the last day his case was mentioned but the statement of means hasn’t been furnished.
