A trial is underway concerning allegations that five members of An Garda Síochána attempted to pervert the course of justice by intervening in road traffic prosecutions. The case centers around the arrest of a senior garda, an event the head of the Garda Press Office described as being of significant public interest.
Details of the Case
Former Superintendent Eamon O’Neill, along with serving Sergeant Anne-Marie Hassett, Sergeant Michelle Leahy, Garda Tom McGlinchey, and Garda Colm Geary, are accused of 39 counts of engaging in conduct intended to pervert the course of justice. The charges relate to alleged attempts to quash road traffic summonses issued to motorists.
Superintendent Liam Geraghty testified that the Garda Press Office issued four press releases following Mr. O’Neill’s arrest. However, these releases did not name Mr. O’Neill or disclose the location of his arrest.
Press Office Justification
During questioning, Supt. Geraghty explained that the arrest of a superintendent warranted a public statement, stating it was “an event of public interest” requiring proactive communication from An Garda Síochána. This justification was prompted by a question regarding why a press statement was issued in the absence of a major crime, such as a murder or armed robbery.
The court also heard testimony regarding a separate investigation involving former Chief Superintendent John Scanlon, who was interviewed under caution by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI) on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. The press office did not issue a statement regarding this interview, and it was noted that Chief Supt. Scanlon was later found to have no case to answer.
Evidence also revealed that Detective Chief Superintendent Walter O’Sullivan, then head of the GNBCI, informed Supt. Geraghty about Mr. O’Neill’s detention but was not involved in the initial press briefings. Testimony further indicated that ongoing road safety campaigns, run with the Road Safety Authority, specifically target young men due to the disproportionately high number of road fatalities in that demographic.
Potential Implications
The prosecution suggested that failing to issue statements when a senior garda is arrested could create the impression of a cover-up. Supt. Geraghty agreed with this assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges are the accused facing?
The five accused are facing a total of 39 counts of “engaging in conduct tending or intended to pervert the course of justice.”
Did the press releases identify the arrested superintendent?
No, the press releases issued on May 16, 2019, did not identify Mr. O’Neill or disclose the location of his arrest.
Was the press office informed of the interview with Chief Supt. John Scanlon?
Supt. Geraghty stated that the press office was not informed of the interview with Chief Supt. John Scanlon.
The trial is ongoing, and it remains to be seen what the outcome will be. A possible next step is further examination of evidence related to the alleged attempts to quash road traffic summonses. The jury could ultimately find the accused guilty, not guilty, or reach a hung jury, potentially leading to a retrial.
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