€10m paid out in compensation claims against Gardaí

The State has reportedly paid out more than €10m in the past five years in compensation cases taken against the Gardaí.

Reports this morning say figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act show that almost €2m was paid out between 2002 and 2006 to people who say they were assaulted by members of the force.

Almost €6m was also paid to people who claimed they were unlawfully arrested.

The largest single payout was €1.9m to Donegal nightclub owner Frank Shortt in 2005 after gardaí framed him for allowing drugs to be sold at his premises.

Earlier this year, Mr Shortt had his compensation increased to €4.7m by the Supreme Court.

Meanwhile, other figures released as a result of the Freedom of Information request show that €100m was paid out in garda overtime last year.

One Dublin-based sergeant received more than €77,000, bringing his total pay for the year to almost €130,000.