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.

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