Suspension for accused gardaí 'terrifying', retired senior garda tells Limerick trial

The retired assistant Garda commissioner said 'the stigma attached is horrendous'

Assistant Garda Commissioner Fintan Fanning said a suspended garda, is 'almost walking in a dead man’s shoes', because they may be innocent but still have to suffer the penalties of being on suspension. File picture: Collins Courts

A retired assistant Garda commissioner, who was previously involved in investigating complaints of alleged disciplinary breaches in the force, told how it is a “terrifying” ordeal for a serving garda to be put on suspension accused of wrongdoing.

Fintan Fanning was giving evidence at the trial of retired Supt Eamon O’Neill and four serving gardaí, Sgt Anne Marie Hassett, Sgt Michelle Leahy, Garda Tom McGlinchey and Garda Colm Geary.