12/03/2013

Public Interest Inquiry Launched Into Garda Evidence

A public interest inquiry has been launched into a number of garda officers and the evidence they gave at the trial of another officer charged with assault.

The Garda Ombudsman Commission has begun an investigation following the conviction of garda Drew Morgan last Friday at Dundalk District Court.

Morgan was convicted of assaulting Derek Bradley from Clogherhead in Co Louth at Drogheda Garda Station two years ago.

The court heard Mr Bradley had been detained on suspicion of drink driving.

At 1am on 6 February 2011, Gda Morgan, who was not involved in the arrest, pushed Mr Bradley from behind into a radiator after he asked that his handcuffs be loosened.

Judge Alan Mitchell sentenced Gda Morgan to three months in prison.

The evidence given by garda witnesses was described by the judge as "disturbing to say the least" as some appeared to have "looked away at that moment", had their "views blocked" or had "hazy recollections".

Adding it brought to mind "see, hear or speak no evil".

Assistant Commissioner Kieran Kenny was initially appointed to carry out an investigation into the matter.

However, after a review of the case by the three members of the Garda Ombudsman Commission they decided to establish a public interest inquiry.

The Ombudsman's investigation is to determine if any garda or reserve garda witnesses could have committed an offence or an act of indiscipline in the provision of evidence under oath or in preparing to give evidence at the trial.

(H)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

11 December 2012
Garda Arrested In Connection With Sexual Assault
A garda has been arrested by Garda Ombudsman Commission investigators and is being questioned about a sexual attack. The garda has been suspended by the Garda Commissioner and is being detained at Loughrea Garda Station. He is the first member of the force to be arrested by the Garda Ombudsman.
02 November 2012
Garda Ombudsman Begins Investigation Following Man's Death
The Garda Ombudsman Commission is investigating the death of a man in Drogheda. The man, who was anted by gardai, is believed to have taken his own life. Neighbours in the North Quay area said they heard several bangs between 5am and 7am this morning. A post mortem is due to be carried out today.
18 November 2013
Collins Accuses Shatter Of Deliberately Misleading The Dáil About Garda Budget
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Justice Niall Collins has accused the Justice Minister Alan Shatter of deliberately misleading the Dáil about the state of the garda budget.
13 January 2012
New Evidence In Bailey Appeal
New evidence regarding the extradition of Ian Bailey will go before the Supreme Court on Monday. The former journalist is being sought for questioning over the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier in Cork in 1996.
02 February 2010
Mountain Body Post Mortem Details Witheld
A Gardaí spokesman has said details from the post mortem carried out on the human remains found in the Dublin mountains yesterday will not be made public. The State Pathologist has carried out the examination but Sergeant Jim Molloy has said Gardaí are not releasing the results of the examination for "operational reasons".