Courts / Cork / Report

Garda challenges dismissal from force for 'discreditable conduct'

Date
2020-03-16
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Mallow
County
Cork

Summary

Diarmuid Keane, a Garda based in County Cork, has filed a High Court challenge against the Garda Commissioner's decision to dismiss him from the force over alleged "discreditable conduct". The conduct in question relates to events that allegedly occurred at Mallow on 15 April 2017. After an internal disciplinary process, Keane admitted to four counts of discreditable conduct contrary to Garda Disciplinary Regulations. A three‑person board of inquiry recommended a fine of a week's wages, but the Commissioner chose to impose a dismissal instead, citing the need to maintain public confidence and protect the Gardaí's reputation. Keane's counsel, Kieran Kelly SC, argued that the Commissioner's decision was not in line with the appeal board's recommendation of a reprimand and a nine‑week pay deduction, and that the dismissal violated natural and constitutional justice.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Garda challenges dismissal from force for 'discreditable conduct'. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Case subjects

Diarmuid Keane

Applicant

Outcome: A three-person board of inquiry recommended to the Garda Commissioner that Garda Keane be fined a week's wages. The appeal board determined that Garda Keane should receive a reprimand and a nine-week pay deduction for his admitted breach of discipline, in lieu of the Commissioner's sanction.; The judge, who placed a stay on the dismissal pending further order, adjourned the matter to a date in late May.

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • High Court
Incident

Topics

Stage Sentence

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