Courts / Cavan / Report
Response of garda chief "a kick in the teeth", McCabe tells tribunal
Summary
Garda whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe gave evidence at the Charleton tribunal, describing the 2011 response to his complaints as "a kick in the teeth." Chief Superintendent Colm Rooney, now retired, admitted his 2011 circular letter congratulating Bailieboro station was inappropriate, stating his vindication of the station's standards was not warranted. McCabe testified that he felt forced out of his position as Sergeant in Charge in March 2008 and described a culture in An Garda Síochána that made it "extremely hard to speak out." He noted that his revelations regarding penalty points "really hit hard in the force." The tribunal also examined a 2006 allegation by Miss D against McCabe, where the DPP recommended against prosecution, finding no basis for an assault or sexual assault. McCabe stated he was exonerated and received support from colleagues. He also referenced a 2009 Facebook comment calling a puppet "Maurice the rat," which the O'Higgins commission later described as "vile and offensive." The proceedings are part of a trial-stage inquiry into whether unjustified grounds were used to discredit McCabe, including serious allegations against former Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan. The matter remains ongoing as the tribunal continues to hear evidence.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Response of garda chief "a kick in the teeth", McCabe tells tribunal. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- March 2008 Other
- January 2008 Other
- 2018-03-05 Publication
Case subjects
Applicant
Places mentioned
- in Charge at Bailieboro Garda Station
- of concern in Bailieboro Garda Station
Topics
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