Courts / Westmeath / Report
Senior garda "absolutely astounded" by whistleblower's bullying complaint
Summary
A tribunal has heard that Chief Superintendent Lorraine Wheatley expressed being 'astounded, disappointed and incredulous' upon learning of a bullying complaint made against her by Garda whistleblower Nicholas Keogh. The Disclosures Tribunal is currently in its eighth week of hearing evidence regarding the treatment of Gda Keogh, who made a protected disclosure in 2014. Gda Keogh alleges that a senior member of the Athlone drugs unit, identified as Garda A, was in an improper relationship with an alleged heroin dealer, identified as Ms B. The tribunal, chaired by Judge Sean Ryan, is investigating whether Gda Keogh was targeted, harassed, undermined, or bullied after making his protected disclosure on 8 May 2014. Chief Supt Wheatley, who was over Westmeath Garda Division in September 2015, was involved in a disciplinary hearing where Gda Keogh admitted a 'minor breach' of neglect of duty. Gda Keogh was fined €300 for going AWOL after a four-day drinking period in July 2015. He appealed the fine, which was upheld by Chief Supt Wheatley. Gda Keogh later raised concerns about the fairness of the review process, which were disputed by Supt Alan Murray and Chief Supt Wheatley. In November 2017, Chief Supt Wheatley was made aware of a bullying and harassment complaint made by Gda Keogh. The complaint was later investigated by An Garda Síochána and Chief Supt Wheatley was cleared. Earlier, the tribunal heard that Gda Keogh received a lesser fine for going AWOL due to work-related stress and heavy drinking. Supt Murray, who disciplined Gda Keogh, reduced the fine due to mitigating circumstances and stated that Gda Keogh was respectful and decent to deal with, but emphasized the importance of gardaí showing up for work. Gda Keogh later sought a review of the decision from Chief Supt Wheatley, who affirmed the penalty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Senior garda "absolutely astounded" by whistleblower's bullying complaint. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial
When:
- 8 May Hearing Or Sentence
- September 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- November 2015 Other
- November 2017 Other
- July 11 Other
- 9 July Other
- 11 July Other
- 16 July Other
- 2020-01-27 Publication
Why: Earlier, the tribunal heard that Gda Keogh received a lesser fine for going AWOL on the four-day drinking session because his work-related stress was causing his drinking. CNI source report
Case subjects
Applicant
Defendant
Applicant
Places mentioned
Topics
Drugs Stage Charge Or Pretrial
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