A Dublin-based Garda has gone on trial accused of insurance fraud.

27-year-old Paul Fogarty denies making a false claim on a car he crashed but reported to be stolen. He is alleged to have crashed his Toyota Celica on the M50 in January 2008.

The serving Garda is accused of reporting it stolen to Quinn Direct and getting a pay out of €11,000. He is also accused of harassing a father and son who worked in the car business in Trim, Co. Meath.

The court heard how he gave Christopher Kelly €5,000 to repair his car and that he was not happy with the work done when he got it back some months later.

Judge Sarah Berkeley was told threats were made and forceful language used. She also heard how the same car was then reported stolen.

The report to the insurance company read that it had been taken from outside his granny's house. He said it was locked and had not been involved in any crashes.

Fogarty denies the charges and is trial continues before Judge Berkeley at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.