Convicted sergeant’s dismissal overturned

A Garda sergeant who was convicted of assault has won a Supreme Court order overturning the Garda Commissioner’s decision recommending her dismissal from the force.

The seven-judge court unanimously quashed the decision due to the commissioner’s failure, at a particular stage of the Garda disciplinary procedure, to give adequate reasons for proceeding with dismissal of Sgt Martha McEnery.

It is open to the commissioner to reconsider the position of Sgt McEnery in accordance with the procedure under the regulations, said the court.