Judge orders garda’s mental health be revealed

THE High Court has rejected claims by Det Sgt John White that a decision by the Morris Tribunal to hear evidence relating to his mental health in public breaches his rights to privacy and bodily integrity.

Mr Justice Joseph Finnegan said he was satisfied that the interests of Det Sgt White are outweighed by the public interest in the proceedings.

Proceedings in public, the judge said, are more likely to engage the confidence of the public in its findings and recommendations.

In September last, Det White failed to answer a summons to appear at the tribunal, which was told he was unwell and in hospital.

He was due to give evidence in relation to allegations made by RóisínMcConnell that she was verbally abused and pushed after she was detained by gardaí. Det White rejects the allegations.