Senior garda cleared of trying to frustrate drink-drive prosecution

A senior garda who drank whiskey to calm his nerves after accidentally reversing his car over a 4-year-old girl has been cleared of attempting to frustrate a drink-drive prosecution.

Detective Inspector Paul O’Brien, from Moyville, Rathfarnham, Dublin, hit the girl, who did not suffer any permanent injuries, while reversing out of his driveway at about 10.30am on May 6 last year.

He pleaded not guilty at Dublin District Court to consuming alcohol with intention of frustrating a prosecution under section 4 of the Road Traffic Act.