We reliably understand that at least a further 12 individual members of an Garda Síochána have now been interviewed at a Limerick Garda station, following an investigation by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigations (GNBCI) into alleged cancellations of fixed charge penalty notices and similar court summonses.
We further understand that none of the Gardaí; all who were interviewed by scheduled appointment and under caution, were arrested.
Allegations against members of the Garda force serving in Tipperary, Clare, Kerry, Wicklow, Galway, Waterford, and the Dublin Metropolitan Region, are also the subject of similar investigations.
Books of evidence have already been served, in early July of this year, on four serving Gardaí and one retired Garda Superintendent, all who stand accused of attempting to pervert the course of justice, over a three-year period.
Same Garda force members are awaiting trial on a total of 42 counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice as part of this same GNBCI probe. All allegations relate to the cancellation of fixed charge notices which in turn relate to speeding; driving without insurance; failing to produce insurance and the handling of mobile phones, while driving.
The five accused facing trial at Limerick Circuit Court are Garda Mr Tom McGlinchey, aged 49, with an address in Co. Tipperary; Superintendent Mr Eamon O’Neill, (retired) aged 54; Garda Mr Colm Geary aged 35; Sergeant Ms Anne Marie Hassett aged 37, (previously named three Garda members having addresses in Co Clare), and Sergeant Ms Michelle Leahy, aged 45, with an address in Co Limerick.
The internal probe is being led by Chief Superintendent Ms Angela Willis, whose promotion to the head of the specialised garda investigation unit, was announced recently.
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