Garda whistleblower arrested for taking part in Irish Water protest

Garda whistleblower John Wilson yesterday refused to consent to being fingerprinted or photographed in Garda custody after being arrested during a water meter protest.

The retired garda told the Irish Examiner he took this stance because he was “not a criminal”, but a “proud member of the largest people’s movement” in the history of the country.

However, Mr Wilson was given no choice after the arresting officer used power contained in criminal justice legislation to authorise gardaí to take a photograph without his consent.