A 38-year-old garda charged with attempted robbery has been released on bail after he gave an undertaking to abstain from alcohol and enter a 12-week treatment programme.

A bench warrant had earlier today been issued for the arrest of Mario Boersma, with an address at Rosebay Drive, Forest Hill, Carrigaline, Co Cork, after he failed to turn up in court when his case was called.

He is charged with attempted robbery of Susan Stenning at Kilmoney Stores in Carrigaline on Saturday.

Mr Boersma is a garda stationed in Celbridge, Co Kildare.

He was charged at a special district court sitting in Cork yesterday and was released on bail and was due to appear in court again today.

However, when his case was called this afternoon, Judge Eamon O'Brien was told that Mr Boersma was not in court and he issued a bench warrant for his arrest on the application of Garda Inspector Billy Duane.

Mr Boersma's solicitor Frank Buttimer told the court his client was in court earlier today but he appeared to be under some distress and unwell.

He was arrested by gardaí at Church Bay Road, Crosshaven, Co Cork, at 2pm this afternoon and brought before the court.

His case will be back before the district court again on Wednesday.