Three gardaí face sworn inquiry

THREE CLARE gardaí are to appear today at a sworn Garda disciplinary inquiry in relation to alleged breaches of duty during an investigation into the death of Gary Cotter.

Mr Cotter (20) died in a car crash on April 11th, 2004, and Mark O'Gorman of Woodfield Drive, Kilrush, and then aged 21, was subsequently charged with dangerous driving causing death.

An apprentice electrician from Kilrush, Mr Cotter was a front-seat passenger in the one-car crash.

Mr O'Gorman pleaded not guilty to the charge and a jury at Ennis Circuit Court cleared him of the alleged offence in May 2006.

Gary's father, Seán, lodged a formal complaint with the Garda over the manner in which the Garda investigation was carried out.

Now, arising from the internal investigation into Mr Cotter's complaint, Assistant Commissioner Catherine Clancy has appointed Chief Supt Michael McGarry of Fermoy along with two other members to hold a sworn inquiry in Shannon Garda station today.

The documentation shows that one garda is facing nine alleged breaches of duty and three "falsehood" breaches; a second is facing seven breaches of neglect of duty and a third garda is facing five alleged breaches of duty.

The sworn inquiry - which will be in private - is being held under Garda Síochána (Discipline) Regulations 1989.

Mr Cotter has been summoned as a witness to the inquiry; however, his solicitor, Michael Nolan has written to the Garda to complain that Mr Cotter "is expected to attend the hearing, without the assistance of solicitor or counsel, and without knowledge of the precise charges that he is expected to give evidence on".