Witness threats a concern to gardaí

INTIMIDATION of witnesses has “huge implications” for the criminal justice system, according to a garda representative group.

The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) said the requirement of witnesses to identify suspects in full view should be removed to protect their safety.

AGSI president, Joe Dirwan, said there had been cases where witnesses who had previously given detailed statements to gardaí about an accused subsequently refused to give evidence in courts.