Courts / Westmeath / Report

Whistleblower accuses superintendent of "massaging" crime figures

Date
2019-10-16

Stage
Charge Or Pretrial

Primary locality
Athlone

Summary

In a Disclosures Tribunal hearing, Garda Nicholas Keogh, a whistleblower, accuses Superintendent Patrick Murray of "massaging" crime figures and undermining his work. Keogh alleges that Murray criticised four of his investigations and re‑classified a robbery he recorded as serious to a lower category on the same day, calling it a non‑crime. Keogh claims this was an attempt to discredit him after he made a protected disclosure in 2014. Murray denies targeting Keogh, stating his queries were aimed at ensuring high‑standard investigations. Keogh argues the re‑classifications and persistent scrutiny amount to harassment, while Murray maintains they were procedural. The tribunal considers whether the re‑classifications constitute bullying or corruption, with Keogh insisting he is not alleging corruption. The case remains at the tribunal stage.