Inquiry: Gsoc ‘mistaken’ in launching criminal probe

Gsoc did not have evidence of criminality at the time it launched a criminal investigation in relation to three gardaí, including a sergeant who took his own life, a judicial inquiry has concluded.

Mr Justice Frank Clarke examined the actions of Gsoc officers in their investigation of interactions of three gardaí with Sheena Stewart, aged 33, who died in a fatal road traffic accident at Ballyshannon, Co Donegal, on New Year’s Day, 2015.

On May 28, 2015, Sgt Michael Galvin, a 48-year-old father of three, died by his own actions at Ballyshannon Garda Station, a week after he was interviewed under caution by Gsoc on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and making a false and misleading statement.