Courts / Dublin / Report
Polish man challenges garda to 'lie detector' test in alleged discrimination case
Summary
Pawel Pisarek, a Dublin man, is pursuing a complaint under the Equal Status Act 2000 against An Garda Síochána, alleging discrimination, harassment, and victimisation based on race. He claims that on 17 March last year, Inspector Daragh Jennings at Gorey Garda Station ejected him and his son after they spoke Polish. Pisarek stated he was seeking an explanation regarding the handling of criminal complaints for theft, assault, and death threats, alleging the officer improperly used discretion to issue only an adult caution for the theft. He described the inspector as angry and racist, claiming the officer jumped from his desk and screamed at his son. State counsel Declan Harmon BL applied for the case to be dismissed as frivolous, vexatious, or made in bad faith, noting that the Garda Síochána Ombudsman's Commission (GSOC) had previously terminated its investigation into the matter. Counsel also argued the complaint was filed out of time, as it was submitted in November 2024, exceeding the six-month limit. Pisarek rejected these characterisations, challenging the inspector to a lie detector test and asserting that CCTV footage would support his account. He confirmed there was no physical contact but expressed fear of assault due to the officer's proximity. Adjudicator Louise Boyle adjourned the case, directing that evidence from the State's witnesses be heard at a later date.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Polish man challenges garda to 'lie detector' test in alleged discrimination case. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial
When:
- 17 March Hearing Or Sentence
- July 2024 Other
- November 2024 Other
- 2025-11-28 Publication
Why: Mr Pisarek told the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) at a hearing today that he met with Inspector Daragh Jennings by appointment at Gorey Garda Station that day because he was looking for an explanation on the handling of a criminal complaint he had made. CNI source report
Case subjects
Applicant
Outcome: Ms Boyle has adjourned the case and will hear evidence from the State's witnesses at a later date.
Places mentioned
- The way
Topics
Stage Charge Or Pretrial Theft Violent Crime
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