Tag Archives: GSOC

THE head of Clare’s garda division has criticised the process whereby gardaí have to investigate each other when complaints relating to garda discipline are made to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission. Chief Superintendent John Kerin of the Clare Garda Division also said he is aware of incidents where false allegations were made to GSOC against members of the force in the county. “Neither myself nor superintendents are overly happy with the situation whereby members of the public make a complaint to GSOC regarding garda misconduct and we end up investigating 95% to 96% of these complaints, even though they were made to GSOC. I appreciate that GSOC review the investigations but, in fairness to members of the public who have issues with the gardaí, I feel those complaints should be dealt with by GSOC and not garda officers to ensure the integrity of the investigation and that gardaí are not investigating gardaí.” The GSOC Annual Report 2015, published this week, …

THE Garda Ombudsman has come under fire from a local family over its refusal to initiate an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a 23-year-old banqueting manager in Bunratty 32 years ago. The criticism of the Garda Siochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) comes in a week when the authority is under the spotlight over its surveillance of journalists’ phones. The family of the late Patrick Nugent of Feenagh, Sixmilebridge have expressed their disappointment and bewilderment at GSOC’s decision not to commission an investigation into their complaint. In a letter to Patrick Nugent’s brother, John, GSOC advised him that his complaint is inadmissible on the grounds that it is “out of time”, not having been made within a period of 12 months beginning on the date of the conduct giving rise to their complaint. “GSOC having considered your complaint finds, based on the information provided by you, that there is not a good reason to extend the time limit in …

GSOC investigators are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding a road traffic incident in the village of Parteen, in South East Clare in which three male pedestrians were injured on Thursday evening. A Hyundai Accent, which was being pursued by gardai after the car and its occupants were acting suspiciously in Doonass, County Clare earlier that evening. The car, which is believed to have been carrying two males, struck a parked car at the entrance to the Parteen Pitch and Putt course and three pedestrians. Two of the men who were in their 70s were injured in the incident and a further man was treated for shock. All three had played pitch and putt that evening and were crossing from Browne’s pub in the village at approximately 5pm, when they were struck. It is understood that one of the men in his late 70s has had a leg amputated following the incident. One male suspect was arrested close to the scene …