Courts / Cork / Report

Sergeant's allegations that investigation was 'a sham' were 'very disturbing', retired senior garda tells trial

Summary

A retired senior garda officer, Sergeant Paul Barry, has alleged that Chief Supt Catherine Kehoe's investigation into his bullying and harassment complaints was a 'sham' and that the 'inordinate' time taken to conclude inquiries amounted to 'perverting the course of justice'. The Disclosures Tribunal is examining these claims, which relate to a 2012 complaint by Barry that the proper investigation of a child sexual assault allegation was prevented by Supt Michael Comyns, who he alleges also bullied and harassed him. The Director of Public Prosecutions directed there be no prosecution of the child sexual assault allegation in 2015 due to a lack of evidence. Chief Supt Kehoe, who investigated Barry's complaints, stated that she only learned from tribunal documents that Barry had accused her of targeting him by taking an 'inordinate' amount of time investigating his complaints. She explained that there were 'three arms' to the investigation, all concluded in May 2016, and that the process was delayed by various factors, including Barry's civil action and movement of investigators. Chief Supt Kehoe denied the allegations against her, calling them 'very disturbing, totally unfounded and hurtful'. The tribunal continues on Thursday before retired judge Chairman Sean Ryan.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Sergeant's allegations that investigation was 'a sham' were 'very disturbing', retired senior garda tells trial. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

• November 2015 Other
• October 2012 Other
• May 2016 Other
• February 2013 Incident
• February 2012 Incident
• May 2013 Other
• August 2015 Other
• January 2016 Other
• 2022-06-14 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Charge Or Pretrial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report