An action taken by a former member of the Garda Anti-Racketeering Unit (ARU) against the officer in charge of the unit, alleging defamation, was dismissed by the High Court yesterday.
Mr Justice Butler found there was no case to answer of slander or malicious falsehood, as had been alleged by Garda Patrick Allen (46), now a garda in Cork city, against his former superior, Det Supt (then inspector) P.J. Browne.
Garda Allen, Supt Browne and three other detective gardai had comprised the ARU unit, which was set up in 1991 to combat racketeering by subversive organisations.
The unit seized pirate videos and video equipment as well as the growth promoter "angel dust" The evidence was held at the unit's headquarters.
Garda Allen had brought an action for damages relating to his conditions of employment against the State. That action is continuing.
But his claim that he was defamed by Supt Browne in April 1993 was dismissed yesterday and Garda Allen was ordered to pay the superintendent's costs.
The court had heard that serious allegations were made against Supt Browne and Garda Allen. Following an inquiry in 1994, it was claimed steps were taken to remove all members of the unit.
The other gardai returned to their former duties but Garda Allen alleged he was demoted to uniform duties.
Garda Allen had claimed that Supt Browne had alleged that he had taken a video recorder home at Christmas and had asked that it be brought back.
Supt Browne had denied the allegation.
The hearing against the State only continued yesterday with evidence from Chief Supt Ted Murphy, who came to oversee the ARU in March 1993. He told the court he could not explain why Garda Allen did not receive a detective's allowance while attached to the ARU.
The hearing resumes today.