COP PROBE

Garda accused of grabbing waitress’ breasts challenges probe set up to investigate allegation, court hears

• 
  

• 17:40, 28 Mar 2022
• Updated: 17:40, 28 Mar 2022

A GARDA accused of grabbing the breasts of a waitress has brought a High Court action challenging an internal Garda probe set up to investigate the allegation.

The Garda, who cannot be named, claims he is the subject of a Garda Disciplinary investigation, arising out an incident alleged to have occurred in August 2014.

He claims the probe is flawed and should be dismissed.

The Garda is accused of breaching Garda discipline when he allegedly groped a female staff member at a bar/restaurant where it is claimed the male Garda was having a meal with his then fiancée.

The Garda was not on duty when the alleged incident is said to have occurred.

The Gardai became aware of the allegation in late 2019 and an investigation was conducted by a Garda Inspector in 2020.

The woman told the inspector that some time in 2014 when she was working that the Garda approached her from behind put his arms around her and grabbed her breasts.

The court also heard that the woman said that she does not wish to pursue the matter, will not sign a statement, and will not give any evidence in relation to the matter.

The Garda has brought judicial review proceedings seeking various reliefs including an order quashing the Commissioners decision to set up a board of inquiry under Garda Discipline Regulations into the matter.

The judge made the matter returnable to a date in May.