Maurice McCabe sexual assault allegation discussed before inquiry

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

Maurice McCabe’s sexual assault allegation was discussed in evidence at the Disclosures Tribunal. The proceedings were reported on 15 January 2018. The allegation concerned a colleague’s minor daughter. Judge Charleton asked why the matter had been raised at a pre-inquiry meeting given that the DPP had ruled there was no assault. Ken Ruane said he understood that Sgt McCabe had been fully vindicated.

Notes of an 11 May 2015 consultation between gardaí and counsel were presented to the tribunal. The meeting concerned material connected with the upcoming O’Higgins Commission, but Mr Ruane agreed that the allegation had nothing to do with the factual matters under investigation.

The tribunal also heard that issues concerning Mr McCabe’s motivation and relationships with other officers were discussed, despite public expressions of support from then commissioner Noirin O’Sullivan. Mr Ruane said he did not agree that all the matters mentioned related to Sgt McCabe’s motivation.