Gardaí confirm garda probe

GARDAÍ confirmed yesterday that an off-duty member of the force has been questioned after an alleged shoplifting incident in Monaghan town.

The Garda Press Office said that an incident of alleged shoplifting in Monaghan Town was being investigated, but declined to state whether the garda involved was likely to face shoplifting charges.

It is understood that the Dublin-based garda, who is in his fifties, was in Fleming’s Supermarket in Monaghan Town and was caught by a store detective with the pens in his coat on Wednesday.

It is understood that the garda involved in the alleged incident has not been suspended from duty.

Meanwhile, Gardaí have issued a fresh appeal for any witnesses to the mysterious death of Derek O’Toole to come forward.

The 24-year-old from Neilstown in Clondalkin died in hospital after he was struck by a car driven by an off duty garda in Lucan last Sunday morning.

Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information, who was in the Lucan Village or Sarsfield Park area between 4.30am and 5.30am last Sunday morning to contact Lucan Garda Station at 01 666 7300.