WATCH: Taoiseach Micheál Martin calls for review of events leading to Limerick garda trial

TAOISEACH Micheál Martin has called for a review of the circumstances that led to the Limerick garda trial.

Clare Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe raised the issue in the Dáil during a recent ‘Questions on Policy or Legislation’ session.

Deputy Crowe slammed the trial as a “witch hunt” and called for an apology from Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly.

He stated: “I raise the issue of the five gardaí who were acquitted in Limerick Circuit Court this week.

“They all deserve apologies from the Garda Commissioner, and I sincerely hope this will happen.

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“In my opinion, this was a witch hunt that was wasteful of the time of our Judiciary and of taxpayer's money. It cost an estimated €3.5 million.

“It took nine years to happen. You would have been tried for murder in less time than this trial took.”

He went on to outline the impact the trial has had on those involved and the wider force.

“The investigation and subsequent trial destroyed the careers and reputation of the five gardaí involved.

“There is more to it, however, because a much wider net of more junior ranking gardaí had their personal phones and laptops confiscated as part of this investigation.

“They too have endured reputational damage and seen their careers stagnate and flounder under a veil of unwarranted suspicion. Any remaining trials must be struck out.”

Deputy Crowe concluded by saying that “the principle of discretion” needed to be made clear to all gardaí.

In response, the Taoiseach acknowledged the impact the trial has had and called for a review of what transpired.

Deputy Martin said: “It is fair to say that those gardaí have been acquitted by the courts. That is an issue on which we have to reflect.

“I will discuss the matter with the Minister for Justice and the implications of that.

“It seems that a review of what transpired needs to happen because it impacted Garda morale more broadly and had a significant negative impact on the careers of the five gardaí and, as the Deputy stated, of others as well.”

He agreed with his party colleague that the principle of discretion must be applied.

“The principle of discretion is important. An Garda Síochána has served us well. There have to be checks and balances in every system.

“There has to be accountability. There has to be perspective in how all of these issues are dealt with.

“Given what transpired, one has to question whether the principle of perspective was applied here or not.”

Sergeant Michelle Leahy, Garda Tom McGlinchey, Garda Anne-Marie Hassett and Garda Colm Geary were all suspended from the force six years ago after being accused of perverting the course of justice.

Former Superintendent Eamon O’Neill, who was also accused, retired from the force in 2020.

Each of them had pleaded not guilty to a total of 39 charges, which all related to Fixed Charge Penalty Notices for road traffic offences.

After a nine-week trial at the Limerick Circuit Court, the jury delivered a verdict of not guilty on Monday.

Outside Limerick Courthouse, Daniel O’Gorman, solicitor for Mr O’Neill, read a statement to the media in attendance.

Mr O’Gorman said: “We know the accused are not corrupt. Now it is time to see if the State has been corrupt.

“The newly minted Commissioner, the Minister and the State must take steps immediately to restore the people’s confidence in the State.

“There are immediate steps that he can take now and if Commissioner Justin Kelly doesn’t know what they are, he can call me,” concluded Mr O’Gorman with Mr O’Neill by his side.