Courts / Dublin / Report

'Compelling case' for investigating garda, Disclosures Tribunal told

Summary

A compelling case for an internal garda disciplinary investigation into a garda whistleblower was presented to the Disclosures Tribunal by retired Assistant Commissioner Michael Feehan. The tribunal is examining claims by Sergeant William Hughes, now retired, that he was targeted for highlighting 'systems failures' within the garda force prior to the murder of Baiba Saulite in September 2006. The tribunal has directed that the chief suspect be referred to only as 'Mr A'. The Garda Siochana deny all allegations made by Sgt Hughes, who submitted a Protected Disclosure regarding Ms Saulite and various matters related to her dealings with the gardai. Chief Supt Feehan, who was Chief Superintendent in Store Street Garda Station at the time of Ms Saulite's death, was asked by former Assistant Commissioner Al McHugh to conduct a fact-finding inquiry into the level of knowledge within the garda regarding Ms Saulite's fears for her safety. Sgt Hughes had received a draft victim impact statement from Ms Saulite, which he placed in his station locker and did not read. Chief Supt Feehan stated that he believed there was a compelling case to institute disciplinary proceedings against Sgt Hughes and Garda Nyhan. However, these proceedings were discontinued in 2009 due to a lack of evidence of a real and immediate risk to Ms Saulite's life. The tribunal continues tomorrow with further cross-examination of Sgt Hughes.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Compelling case' for investigating garda, Disclosures Tribunal told. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• September 2006 Other
• September 14 2006 Other
• December 22, 2006 Other
• March 2007 Other
• 2022-02-18 Publication

Why: In her draft victim impact statement, she referred to fears she had for her safety because of threats from a man whom the tribunal has directed can only be identified as Mr A. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision Violent Crime

Related court reports

• Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
• Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
• Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
• 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
• Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
• 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'

Read the original CNI report