Courts / Cavan / Report
Whistleblower forced to "retreat to garda station" after confrontation with accuser's family
Summary
The Charleton tribunal heard that Sergeant Maurice McCabe was forced to retreat into his garda station following a confrontation with family members of the woman who alleged he sexually assaulted her. In 2007, the DPP recommended against bringing charges, stating there was no evidence an offence had been committed. The tribunal is examining claims of a smear campaign against Sgt McCabe. In 2008, Sgt McCabe wrote to Superintendent Michael Clancy regarding incidents involving the accuser's father, a garda colleague. Inspector Noel Cunningham, who had previously investigated the 2007 allegations, was instructed to investigate the 2008 claims despite knowing both parties. Sgt McCabe subsequently went on sick leave and was transferred to Mullingar. Supt Cunningham denied taking part in a smear campaign or ignoring a 2013 letter from HSE social worker Keara McGlone, who is the applicant in this matter. Retired Chief Superintendent James Sheridan stated he believed the sexual assault allegation against Sgt McCabe could not be right. In May 2014, a Tusla notification containing an inaccurate allegation was sent to Bailieboro Garda Station. Superintendent Leo McGinn recommended a review by officers outside the Cavan-Monaghan division, noting the DPP's non-prosecution direction. He stated he had no animus toward Sgt McCabe and did not meet him. A July 2014 meeting in Mullingar discussed the confusion over different allegations and cut-and-paste errors, with minutes sent to the garda commissioner's office.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Whistleblower forced to "retreat to garda station" after confrontation with accuser's family. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- February 25, 2008 Other
- May 2014 Other
- 16 May 2014 Other
- July 2014 Other
- 2017-07-20 Publication
Why: "I went to him in his own office and I asked him to reconsider, because I was quite happy to work with him," Supt Cunningham said. CNI source report
Case subjects
Applicant
Places mentioned
Topics
Stage Hearing Or Decision Violent Crime
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