Courts / Ireland / Report
Man sues Commissioner after garda notice board image circulated on social media
Summary
John Matthew Berry, a non‑criminal with no prior convictions, has sued the Garda Commissioner for defamation and breach of privacy after an image of his name, photograph and address was posted on a Garda notice board in Kilmainham Garda Station. The bulletin, allegedly accessed by a contractor in March 2019, contained a highly defamatory statement that Berry claims damaged his reputation. The contractor supposedly photographed the bulletin and circulated the image via WhatsApp and online. Berry seeks damages for defamation, privacy breach, and alleged violations of the Data Protection Acts and the 2005 Garda Siochana Act. He also intends to sue the unknown photographer. Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds ordered the Commissioner to provide information that could identify the photographer, and the case will return to the High Court later this year.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man sues Commissioner after garda notice board image circulated on social media. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- March 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2019-10-23 Publication
Case subjects
Applicant
Places mentioned
- room in Kilmainham Garda Station
- Labre Park
- High Court
Topics
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