Trainee Garda suspended from duty

A trainee garda was suspended from duty after he was arrested on suspicion of indecently assaulting a woman, it was revealed tonight.

The Garda Ombudsman confirmed it is investigating the case after it was referred by Garda Headquarters.

The garda is accused of assaulting a woman near University College Galway last Tuesday night.

It is alleged he got out of the car he was driving, chased two women and groped one of them before fleeing the scene. It is understood he did not know either woman.

The suspect, who is in his 20s and believed to be a probationary member of the force, was arrested nearby.

While a criminal investigation continues, the case was also referred to the Garda Siochána Ombudsman Commission.

Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy suspended the garda from the force last Thursday, pending the outcome of the Ombudsman’s investigation.