Probes into garda misconduct claims

THE gardaí have set up two investigations into separate incidents of alleged garda misconduct in Killarney, Co Kerry.

In the first case, two off-duty gardaí allegedly assaulted a civilian in a pub, while, in a second case, a garda was allegedly drink driving.

Senior officers were brought in from outside the garda district to carry out investigations. A garda spokeswoman yesterday confirmed that a file had been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation to the alleged assault.

The alleged incident took place in a well-known pub in Killarney on December 23, 2004.

It’s understood that words were exchanged between a civilian and two off-duty gardaí in the premises.

The man made a complaint afterwards to gardaí claiming he had been assaulted by the officers.

Superintendent John Riordan was brought in from Listowel Garda Station to investigate the matter. He spoke to all the parties concerned in the course of his inquiry.

A garda spokeswoman confirmed that he had completed his inquiries.

“I can confirm the alleged incident was investigated and a file was sent to the DPP,” she said. The second case, involving alleged drink driving by a member of the force in the Killarney area, occurred in recent months.

Chief Supt Richard Duggan, of the West Cork division, was assigned to carry out an inquiry.

His investigations are believed to be ongoing.

It’s understood that a second garda may also be under investigation as part of these inquiries. A garda spokeswoman was not able to comment on any aspect of this investigation on going to press last night.

None of the gardaí involved in either of the alleged incidents has been suspended pending the outcome of the investigations.

According to the annual report of the Garda Síochána Complaints Board, 29 complaints were lodged by members of the public in Kerry last year, compared to 22 complaints, in 2003.