Courts / Ireland / Report
O'Sullivan's barrister says legal team "was on red alert" over McCabe allegations
2018-01-24
Trial
Summary
The senior barrister for former Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan, Colm Smyth SC, told the Charleton tribunal that his legal team was "on red alert" after seeing allegations made by whistle‑blower Sergeant Maurice McCabe in a core booklet circulated before the O'Higgins Commission of Investigation hearings began in May 2015. Smyth said the booklet caused "considerable alarm" and that his clients had serious issues to address. He described McCabe as "the accuser" and noted that some officers were "in a very bad way in relation to the strain they were under." Smyth added that any serious allegations against a Garda would have severe consequences for the officer, their family and future generations. The tribunal is examining whether O'Sullivan inappropriately relied on unjustified grounds to discredit McCabe during the investigation. The article does not report any outcome of the tribunal or further proceedings.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: O'Sullivan's barrister says legal team "was on red alert" over McCabe allegations. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- May 2015 Other
- 2018-01-24 Publication
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