Garda challenges inquiry into alleged groping

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

An unnamed Garda has brought a High Court challenge to a disciplinary inquiry into an allegation that he grabbed a waitress’s breasts at a bar or restaurant. The Garda was off duty at the time of the alleged incident in August 2014.

The woman told an inspector that the Garda approached her from behind, put his arms around her and grabbed her breasts. The court heard that she did not wish to pursue the matter and would neither sign a statement nor give evidence. Another person said they saw the Garda put his arms around her. His then fiancée told the inspector she had a clear view of everything that night but saw nothing untoward.

Gardaí became aware of the allegation in late 2019, and the inspector interviewed several people in 2020. A board of inquiry was set up in August 2021. Represented by Mark Harty SC, the Garda claimed the investigation was unfair and should be halted. Counsel said there was no admissible evidence to ground a disciplinary allegation and no explanation for the delay. An application to dismiss the disciplinary proceedings had been rejected.

On 28 March 2022, Mr Justice Charles Meenan granted permission on an ex parte basis to bring the judicial review. The inquiry was stayed pending the full hearing. The judge said the Commissioner could apply to have the stay lifted on notice to the Garda’s lawyers, and made the matter returnable to a date in May.