Judge to lead probe into GSOC’s dealing with garda

A Supreme Court judge is to conduct an official inquiry into how the Garda Ombudsman investigated a garda sergeant, who took his life a week after being questioned.

Mr Justice Frank Clarke will lead what is the first statutory inquiry into the independent watchdog since it was set up in 2007 to investigate members of the force.

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald yesterday said the inquiry was being set up to investigate the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) “following the tragic death of Sgt Michael Galvin”. The dad-of-three was investigated by GSOC as a result of garda contact with Sheena Stewart on January 1, 2015, shortly prior to her death in a road traffic accident.

Sgt Galvin shot himself at Ballyshannon Garda Station, Co Donegal on May 28, less than a week after he was questioned under caution by officers from GSOC.

Solicitors representing Sgt Galvin said he was “distressed” after the interview. They said he was under investigation for possibly making a false statement and perverting the course of justice. The solicitors said they sought to reassure him there was no basis to the claims.

The tragic death led to strong criticism of GSOC by the AGSI and the GRA. But GSOC said it was “convinced” its interaction with Sgt Galvin was “proportionate and reasonable”.

A Department of Justice statement said the inquiry would “examine matters relating to GSOC investigation following death of Ms Sheena Stewart”. It added the inquiry would “examine the conduct of designated officers” of GSOC.