Garda sergeant convicted of sexual assault challenges commissioner's decision to dismiss him

Sergeant found guilty of one count of sexual assault after he got into a bed with a woman after a night out with her friends, who alleged the outside of his right thigh touched her fully clothed buttock

Sergeant claims the Garda Commissioner's proposal that he should be summarily dismissed from his job, before his appeal against his conviction is heard and in the absence of any disciplinary hearing or inquiry, is flawed and in breach of fair procedures.

A Garda sergeant convicted of sexually assaulting a young woman has launched a High Court action aimed at preventing his dismissal from the force.

The action has been taken by Sergeant Cathal Middleton, who claims the Garda Commissioner's proposal that he should be summarily dismissed from his job, before his appeal against his conviction is heard and in the absence of any disciplinary hearing or inquiry, is flawed and in breach of fair procedures.