Sligo Garda’s bomb prank goes wrong as boss receives ‘device’

A garda is under disciplinary investigation after a ‘bomb prank’ went wrong.

It is understood that the member left the hoax device for a colleague at Sligo Garda station last week as a joke.

Unfortunately, the device was delivered to the office of his boss, Superintendent Mary Murray.

Sources told the Irish Examiner that the object comprised “a battery with wires along with some other innocuous items”.

The garda admitted to the prank, but stressed that he hadn’t meant it for the superintendent, but as a joke for a colleague.

Despite that, a decision was made to instigate internal disciplinary procedures. It is thought that the garda in question was briefly suspended and that, when he returned to work, was transferred.

A superintendent from outside the division has conducted a formal interview with the garda. A Garda spokesman confirmed that an internal investigation was under way, but declined to comment any further.

Garda regulations provide for three different categories of breaches of discipline: minor, less serious, and serious breaches.

In minor cases, there is informal resolution at local level between the member and his or her superior, with sanctions including advice, caution or warning.

For less serious breaches, which appears to be the case here, the member is formally interviewed by a superintendent. Possible sanctions can include reduction in pay not exceeding two weeks’ salary, reprimand, warning, caution, or advice.