Bullying allegations by former sergeant 'unfounded and vexatious', superintendent tells tribunal

Superintendent Michael Comyns said allegations against him of bullying and breaches of discipline, along with the criminal complaint regarding the allegation of perverting the course of justice, had a 'huge' effect on him, 'personally and professionally'

Retired Garda sergeant Paul Barry made a 2012 complaint that the proper investigation of a child sexual assault allegation was prevented by Supt Comyns, who he says also bullied and harassed him. File picture: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos

A Garda Superintendent who a sergeant accused of "covering up" a child sex abuse allegation says he was prevented from doing his job due to the conditions of a medical certificate issued to the sergeant, the Disclosures Tribunal has heard.

In a letter to his superiors, Superintendent Michael Comyns wrote it was "just not possible" to have a sergeant in a district that did not report to a superintendent and that this would "create a very serious and unworkable precedent" in An Garda Síochána, the tribunal also heard.