Sunday 3 December 2006
Thursday 30 November 2006
Garda Mental Health
Detective Garda Sergeant John White challenged the decision of the Morris Tribunal to hear evidence relating to his mental health, in public. The senior Garda started his legal bid yesterday, in the High Court.
Garda John White's solicitor is claiming that the Garda is suffering from stress and anxiety. He states that the details of the Garda's mental health should not be revealed in public. The Garda's psychiatric consultant has given evidence to the effect that White is unfit to attend the Morris Tribunal.
Mr Justice Morris had previously found that Garda White had planted a sawn off shot gun at a Traveller encampment in Co Donegal.
In fairness, planting a sawn off shot gun at a Co Donegal Traveller encampment would cause most people some level of stress and anxiety!
Garda John White's solicitor is claiming that the Garda is suffering from stress and anxiety. He states that the details of the Garda's mental health should not be revealed in public. The Garda's psychiatric consultant has given evidence to the effect that White is unfit to attend the Morris Tribunal.
Mr Justice Morris had previously found that Garda White had planted a sawn off shot gun at a Traveller encampment in Co Donegal.
In fairness, planting a sawn off shot gun at a Co Donegal Traveller encampment would cause most people some level of stress and anxiety!
Embassy Row Gardai Sacked
The two Gardai involved in the infamous drunken incident outside the US embassy have been sacked. Letters of dismissal were sent to the two Gardai by the Garda Commissioner, Mr Noel Conroy.
We understand that one of the Gardai in question has issued an appeal into his dismissal.
It is believed that the two Gardai left their post and went drinking, on the night in question. After drinking for some time the pair got in a row over who's round it was. The fact that both Gardai were armed added to the seriousness of the issue. Events took an even more sinister turn when one of the Gardai drove away from the scene. He was later arrested, charged and convicted of drink driving.
I'm sure most readers would agree, that its pretty difficult to forget who's round it is when there are only two people drinking together!
We understand that one of the Gardai in question has issued an appeal into his dismissal.
It is believed that the two Gardai left their post and went drinking, on the night in question. After drinking for some time the pair got in a row over who's round it was. The fact that both Gardai were armed added to the seriousness of the issue. Events took an even more sinister turn when one of the Gardai drove away from the scene. He was later arrested, charged and convicted of drink driving.
I'm sure most readers would agree, that its pretty difficult to forget who's round it is when there are only two people drinking together!
Wednesday 29 November 2006
Increased Custody Powers
The Gardai can currently only hold suspects for up to 12 hours on suspicion of crime up to and including murder. Under new powers included in the Criminal Justice Act 2006, Gardai will be given the power to hold suspects for up to 24 hours.
2,000 Garda Car Crashes
Ever wondered why seeing a Garda car made you feel nervous? Figures released by the Department of Justice show that there has been just under 2,000 car crashes involving members of the Gardai or ministerial drivers in the last 5 years.
There are 1,525 Garda vehicles on the road with a further 296 assigned to headquarters.
There are 1,525 Garda vehicles on the road with a further 296 assigned to headquarters.
Tuesday 28 November 2006
Garda Criticised by the Morris Tribunal Given a New Job
Retired Superintendant John Fitzgerald was strongly criticised by the Moris Tribunal for his role in interviewing Frank McBrearty and other issues relating to the Garda investigation of the death of Ritchie Baron.
Many outsiders might think that this would damage Fitzgerald's standing within the force. Not so, it would appear! John Fitzgerald has been given the task of interviewing potential recruits for the Garda Reserves in Co. Sligo.
GardaWatch wonders who interviewed Fitzgerald for this position and deemed him an appropriate judge of who should be appointed to the Garda Reserves.
Many outsiders might think that this would damage Fitzgerald's standing within the force. Not so, it would appear! John Fitzgerald has been given the task of interviewing potential recruits for the Garda Reserves in Co. Sligo.
GardaWatch wonders who interviewed Fitzgerald for this position and deemed him an appropriate judge of who should be appointed to the Garda Reserves.
Law to be Tightened on UK Sex Offenders
There's been lots of concern in the media recently, that Ireland is a safe haven for convicted sex offenders from the UK. Michael McDowell has signed a memo of understanding with the UK, which will help enforce the law in this area. Although Gardai do currently share information on sex offenders with their UK counterparts, this is on an informal basis only. The new memo ensures that information will officially be shared between the Gardai and police from both Northern Ireland and the UK.
A new law currently being proposed will allow the Gardai to arrest a sex offender from Britain or across the border if they fail to sign the sex offender's register here. The penalty for not signing the register will be increased to five years imprisonment. If introduced, this law will allow the Gardai to automatically arrest a person for this offence. At present Gardai must get a summons before proceeding with these matters.
A new law currently being proposed will allow the Gardai to arrest a sex offender from Britain or across the border if they fail to sign the sex offender's register here. The penalty for not signing the register will be increased to five years imprisonment. If introduced, this law will allow the Gardai to automatically arrest a person for this offence. At present Gardai must get a summons before proceeding with these matters.
The Gardai UFO Watch
The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors have surprised and amused many, by including an ad for for the UFO Society of Ireland in their official 2007 diary. The ad asks that any unusual sightings are reported to the Co Roscommon society.
Monday 27 November 2006
Brian Rossiter Inquiry Findings to be Released - McDowell
Brian Rossiter (14 at the time) was found unconscious in his cell on the morning of 11th September 2002, while in Garda custody in Clonmel. He was taken to Cork University Hospital and died two days later on 13th September 2002.
Michael McDowell agreed to set up a public sworn inquiry into Brian's death and arrest, following intense pressure from Brian's parents and their solicitor, Cian O'Carroll. The inquiry was conducted by a senior counsel, Hugh Hartnett.
Over 80 witnesses gave evidence to the inquiry which lasted over 80 days. Over 30 of these witnesses were serving or retired Gardai and approximately 15 of them were medical witnesses. The State Pathologist, Dr Marie Cassidy, also gave evidence to the hearing.
It is still unclear when the report will be published. Michael McDowell has said that he will release the report once he receives it, provided that there is no "extraordinary reason" why he shouldn't.
Hugh Hartnett Brian Rossiter
Michael McDowell agreed to set up a public sworn inquiry into Brian's death and arrest, following intense pressure from Brian's parents and their solicitor, Cian O'Carroll. The inquiry was conducted by a senior counsel, Hugh Hartnett.
Over 80 witnesses gave evidence to the inquiry which lasted over 80 days. Over 30 of these witnesses were serving or retired Gardai and approximately 15 of them were medical witnesses. The State Pathologist, Dr Marie Cassidy, also gave evidence to the hearing.
It is still unclear when the report will be published. Michael McDowell has said that he will release the report once he receives it, provided that there is no "extraordinary reason" why he shouldn't.
Hugh Hartnett Brian Rossiter
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