Minister for Justice answers questions about Taoiseach’s call for review into Limerick garda trial

MINISTER for Justice Jim O’Callaghan has answered questions about the Taoiseach’s call for review into the events that led to the Limerick garda trial.

Minister O’Callaghan was speaking in Templemore, Co Tipperary ahead of the Garda Graduation Ceremony this Friday.

 “The administration of justice is the responsibility of the courts and sometimes people think that something goes wrong if people are acquitted," said Minister O’Callaghan.

“That’s not correct at all. The administration of justice will result in people being convicted or people being acquitted. Either is an administration of justice.

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“When it comes to the case of Limerick, I very much recognise the four members of An Garda Síochána and the one retired member of An Garda Síochána were acquitted. They're innocent and that was the outcome.”

These sentiments were echoed by Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly, who added that the four serving gardaí will be welcomed back into the force.

He stated: “The following day, we reinstated those members of An Garda Síochána. So those four are certainly welcome back into the organisation and I wish them the best of luck with their continuing careers.”

He concluded by saying that the trial reflected the “democratic system” in place in Ireland, which has “lots of checks and balances within it”.

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 January 26.