Garda who was held in Canaries is released

A garda held as a rape suspect in the Canary Islands for more than two months was released today when forensic tests proved negative.

The 23-year-old man, who has not been named, was kept in prison as police investigated the rape of a 21-year-old woman.

The woman was found unconscious outside an Irish bar in the resort of Playa de las Americas in early September and the garda was arrested soon afterwards.

It was understood that the tests proved that blood on the man’s clothing had been his own and that DNA samples did not match his.

On the night of the alleged offence, the garda had been celebrating the Irish Republic’s 1-0 World Cup soccer victory over Holland.

It was not clear tonight whether the man would be permitted to leave the Canary Islands immediately or need to wait a further court appearance.

At garda headquarters in Dublin, a spokesman said they were still awaiting confirmation of the officer’s release.