Courts / Dublin / Report

Garda Sergeant settles case against Commissioner and GSOC

Summary

In 2014, Sergeant Denis Palmer settled a High Court challenge against disciplinary sanctions imposed for alleged failures to provide medical treatment to a detainee who later collapsed unconscious after release. The High Court quashed the sanctions, and a Garda Superintendent was appointed to review the GSOC report and decide whether Palmer breached discipline. Palmer, stationed at Pearse Street, claimed he was denied fair procedures, including access to the Ombudsman's report and the opportunity to submit comments. The Superintendent will consider Palmer's submissions before deciding. Palmer was also awarded the costs of his proceedings against the Garda Commissioner. The case involved a man detained at Harcourt Garda Station in September 2009, who became violent after allegedly taking a controlled substance and was found unconscious three hours after release. The GSOC report suggested Palmer may have neglected duty by failing to summon or provide medical assistance and by not recording calls for a doctor. The unnamed man was found guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Garda Sergeant settles case against Commissioner and GSOC. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Found guilty

When:

• September 26 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2014-03-26 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report