Early retirement for garda at centre of alleged assault over prank

A GARDA at the centre of a Garda Ombudsman probe into an alleged assault in Cork more than a year ago has taken early retirement.

However, the former officer, who denies the assault, could still face charges after the Garda Siochána Ombudsman Commission forwards the file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for consideration.

The individual who made the complaint could also sue the Department of Justice for the injuries he sustained.

The news emerged last night after reports that the ombudsman is examining CCTV footage which captured the alleged assault on film. It is understood that this is the first time the watchdog has used CCTV as part of a probe into Garda conduct.

The investigation was launched after the family of the college student lodged a formal complaint with Garda authorities following an incident in the city centre in February 2007.

The student was among a group of late-night revellers who had gathered around the Grand Parade area of the city. It is understood the former officer at the centre of the probe had his Garda hat knocked off his head in a prank.

The students ran away towards the Clarke’s Bridge area and were pursued by a number of gardaí where the alleged assault took place.

There are unconfirmed reports that two other gardaí witnessed the incident, but did not intervene.

They have also denied any wrongdoing.

The student was taken to hospital and required stitches for an injury to his forehead.

It is understood Garda authorities were aware of the incident within hours and treated it very seriously.

The injured party’s family lodged a formal complaint with them within days.

They in turn launched their own investigation and acquired the CCTV footage and handed it, and other materials over to the Garda ombudsman when it assumed overall responsibility for the investigation.

Senior gardaí in Cork refused to comment yesterday because it would be inappropriate while the ombudsman’s probe is ongoing.