Criminal probe underway over miscarriage of justice

Garda Commissioner Pat Byrne has revealed that a criminal investigation is now underway after the Court of Criminal Appeal ruled that two senior Gardai framed a man who spent three years in jail for allowing drugs to be sold in his nightclub.

The two in question, Detective Noel McMahon and Superintendent Kevin Lennon, have been suspended with full pay along with a female Garda, Tina Fowley, who also participated in the miscarriage of justice.

The court found that Mr McMahon and Mr Lennon had deliberately fabricated and concealed evidence to secure a conviction against Co Donegal nightclub owner Frank Shortt.

Commissioner Byrne described the affair as a “sorry saga” today and said he cannot rule out further dismissals from the force.