Limerick garda trial fallout continues after modern day ‘witch trial’

THE EMOTIONAL, financial and reputational cost of the Limerick garda trial continues this Wednesday with a TD saying the Garda National Bureau of Crime Investigation (GNBCI) has been “left with egg on their face”.

The Leader can reveal that the cost to the taxpayer from legal fees alone is an estimated €1.5m. The cost of the GNBCI  investigation is unquantifiable. 

The personal toll it took on the five defendants - retired Superintendent Eamon O’Neill, Sergeant Michelle Leahy, Garda Anne-Marie Hassett, Garda Tom McGlinchey, Garda Colm Geary - and their families,    was clearly visible as the five broke down in tears after the verdict. 

The trial had entered its ninth week on Monday but they were suspended from the force six years ago. The five were found not guilty of 39 charges in relation to attempting to pervert the course of justice.

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Deputy Richard O’Donoghue, who first raised the case in the  Dail in 2021, said he did so because gardai are taught to use  discretion and common sense, yet were   prosecuted for doing what they were trained to do.

“The NCBI have been left with egg on their face. Who started this process? What did they have to gain out of it? Were they on a power trip themselves for their own self-promotion?” asked Mr O’Donoghue, who this week called for an inquiry.

Mr O’Neill, speaking outside Limerick Courthouse, said “shame on them” in reference to  those who sanctioned the GNBCI investigation.

His solicitor Daniel O’Gorman, said the State with all its power came after Mr O’Neill and the other defendants.  “The State said yes and the people have said no. The people speak and the State must and will listen.”

Deputy Alan Kelly said the case represents a serious misuse of public resources and a failure of garda leadership under former Commissioner Drew Harris that “cannot go unanswered”. 

“There must be full transparency on the cost of this investigation and prosecution. Vast garda resources, legal fees, and court time were consumed in a case that failed on every count.

“This case raises serious questions about the leadership style and decision making under former Commissioner Drew Harris, as well as the roles of the DPP and the GNBCI,” said Mr Kelly, who added that  questions must be asked about how this case was  allowed to proceed. 

Cllr Adam Teskey, former chair of the Limerick Joint Policing Committee, called for a public inquiry.

Deputy Cathal Crowe, who also spoke in the Dail, said in 2021: “You could almost call the Limerick Garda Division ‘Salem’ because there’s a form of witch trial going on.” 

The trial concluded on Monday with the five accused fully exonerated.