An Garda Siochana issue update on the four members found not guilty at Limerick trial

THE FOUR gardai cleared by a jury of their peers on Monday have had their suspensions lifted this Tuesday, Limerick Live has learned.

Sergeant Michelle Leahy, Garda Tom McGlinchey, Garda Anne-Marie Hassett and Garda Colm Geary - along with former Superintendent Eamon O’Neill - were found not guilty of 39 charges in relation to attempting to pervert the course of justice. It followed a nine-week trial in Limerick Circuit Criminal Court. 

There were emotional scenes in court 3 after the jury delivered their verdicts on Mr O’Neill and the four gardai who had been suspended from the force for the last six years. Mr O’Neill retired in 2020.

Following a query from Limerick Live, a garda spokesperson confirmed this Tuesday evening: “A number of gardaí serving in the Munster region, who were suspended, are no longer suspended as of today.”

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Senior garda management moved quickly to reinstate Sgt Leahy based in Limerick city; Garda McGlinchey, of Murroe garda station; Garda Hassett, who formerly served in Limerick city and Garda Geary, Clare Garda Division.

Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Niall Collins said the court considered all the evidence, and the gardaí have been found not guilty, on all counts, by a jury of their peers.

“I am glad that those involved can now put this extremely stressful and traumatic period behind them. I know how exceptionally difficult it must have been for them and their families. 

“What is now important is that the serving gardaí can go back to do what they do best and keep their communities safe, as they have always done,” said Mr Collins.

During the trial, retired Assistant Garda Commissioner Fintan Fanning told how it is a “terrifying” ordeal for a serving garda to be put on suspension, accused of wrongdoing.

“It’s terrifying, you’re told you can no longer go near your garda station, and the stigma attached is horrendous.

“The reality is (the suspended garda) is on their own, their confidence is on the ground, all the steam goes out of you,” said Mr Fanning.

Sgt Leahy, Garda McGlinchey, Garda Hassett and Garda Geary can now return to uniform if they so wish.