Courts / Ireland / Report

Garda made subject of disciplinary hearing after sex harassment complaint

Summary

A female Garda has taken her case to the High Court after she alleged sexual harassment by a male sergeant and claimed she was then victimised by a female superior. She says the sergeant behaved inappropriately at a mortuary, sent her phone a suggestive message, and made sexual comments. She reported this to a female superior, who she says disclosed the complaint to the sergeant. The Garda claims the superior was unhappy with the formal complaint and interfered with the process. The court heard that the sergeant was suspended and the superior stripped of duties. The Garda was later found to have breached Garda discipline for alleged unacceptable conduct with her superior and for posting Garda matters on social media. She appealed unsuccessfully and now seeks to overturn the disciplinary findings, arguing the process was flawed and unfair. The case is set to return to court next month.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Garda made subject of disciplinary hearing after sex harassment complaint. Charges or matters: alleged breach of Garda discipline; posting garda-related matters on social media; alleged sexual harassment; sending sexually suggestive messages; making inappropriate comments; alleged interference with disciplinary process; hostile treatment of applicant. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• 2024-05-13 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report