Gardaí face prosecution after demo

UP to six gardaí face possible prosecution after protesters were beaten during this year’s May Day rally in Dublin.

The Director of Public Prosecutions is to consider bringing criminal charges when he receives two separate reports in the coming weeks. It is understood an internal Garda investigation set up by Garda Commissioner Pat Byrne will document sufficient evidence to bring prosecutions against up to six gardai. A separate investigation, carried out by the Garda Complaints Board, is also expected to recommend charges against a number of gardai.

The Board’s inquiry, led by a retired Garda assistant commissioner, Jim McHugh, is at an “advanced stage” and a file is expected to be sent to the DPP next month.