Michael Clifford: Fear and loathing as gardaí set to be charged over 'fixing' tickets

The case before Limerick District Court will be the first in which gardaí are charged with perverting the course of justice for fixing road traffic tickets, writes Michael Clifford

Among Limerick city's complement of gardaí there is fear and loathing at ongoing investigations. Morale in the division, according to three separate sources “is on the floor”. File photo of Henry Street Garda Station in Limerick. Dan Linehan

Tomorrow, a retired superintendent and four gardaí are to be charged in Limerick District Court with perverting the course of justice. The day they were arrested, RTÉ reported the charges as emanating from a “corruption probe”. 

Terms like “perverting the course of justice” and “corruption probe” give rise to impressions of serious criminal activity. In reality, the charges relate to “fixing” tickets for road traffic offences.