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Garda Sergeant felt 'targeted', Tribunal hears
Summary
In February 2022, retired Garda Sergeant William Hughes testified before the Disclosures Tribunal that disciplinary action against him should have ended sooner. Hughes had raised concerns in 2008 that the investigation into the murder of Baiba Saulite, a mother of two shot dead in Swords in 2006, had been mishandled. Shortly after voicing his concerns, he was investigated for "failure to take appropriate action on information known in respect of Ms Baiba Saulite", a charge he denied. In June 2009, Assistant Commissioner Al McHugh halted the disciplinary proceedings, declaring Hughes "completely exonerated". Hughes argued the delay was unwarranted and suggested the investigation was a form of targeting. The Tribunal noted that no information that could identify anyone arrested in relation to Saulite's killing should be reported. Hughes also highlighted that his medical retirement in 2013 was due to health concerns, and that earlier assessments of his fitness for duty were reversed after a new psychiatric evaluation.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Garda Sergeant felt 'targeted', Tribunal hears. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- November 2006 Incident
- June 2009 Incident
- October 20, 2006 Incident
- April 2010 Other
- February 2013 Other
- June 2008 Other
- January 2009 Other
- 2022-02-03 Publication
Why: By January 2009, Sgt Hughes' pay had been reduced to half pay before being reduced to pension-level pay, because Garda management determined that his absence from work was not work related. CNI source report
Places mentioned
Topics
Stage Hearing Or Decision Violent Crime
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