A garda stationed in Bray, Co Wicklow has appeared at Dublin District Court charged with using a forged copy of a letter from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Catherine McGowan from West Dublin wore a black trouser suit and clutched her handbag as she stood beside the dock during this morning's brief hearing.

The charge under s28 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act, 2001, alleges that she used a copy of a false instrument at Bray Garda Station on June 21st 2011.

It is alleged the 46 year old knew or believed the copy of a letter from the DPP's Office dated January 4th 2009 was false and that she used it to make someone else believe it was genuine.

Details of her arrest, charge and caution were submitted by a garda sergeant to Judge Victor Blake but they were not read out in court.

The DPP has directed that Garda McGowan is to be tried on indictment.

She is on bail and will appear in court again on July 19th when the book of evidence is due to be served.