Garda under investigation for alleged sex assault

A YOUNG garda is being investigated for an alleged sexual assault on a woman last week.

The garda has been suspended from duty and the matter is under investigation by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC).

The Irish Examiner understands the alleged incident occurred last week near University College Galway.

The garda, who is based in Leinster and understood to be a trainee garda, has been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

It is alleged that while off duty he left a car and indecently grabbed a woman who was walking with a friend. It is thought he fled the scene and that he did not know either woman.

The women alerted gardaí, who arrested the garda.

The two women later gave statements to gardaí and a decision was made to refer the case to GSOC.

Under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner can refer any matter to GSOC which appears to him to indicate that the behaviour of a member of the force may have resulted “in the death of, or serious harm to, a person”.

It is understood the two women concerned have spoken to GSOC investigators, although it is not clear if formal statements have yet been made.

The nature of the allegation is considered to be “indecent assault”, although under the Criminal Law (Rape) Amendment Act 1990, indecent assault was defined as sexual assault.

When asked was GSOC investigating this case, a spokesman said: “Yes, we received a referral under Section 102 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 from the Garda Commissioner and we commenced an immediate investigation under the leadership of a senior investigation officer.”