Two gardaí challenge setting up of disciplinary inquiry

Two gardaí have brought a High Court challenge to the establishment of a disciplinary inquiry arising from their alleged consumption…

Two gardaí have brought a High Court challenge to the establishment of a disciplinary inquiry arising from their alleged consumption of cocaine in Liverpool. Mr Justice Seán Ryan has granted a stay on the inquiry pending the outcome of the court case.

Garda Richard Galvin and Garda Gerard Newman, both stationed at Togher in Cork city, are challenging an inquiry established under the Garda Regulations to determine whether they have committed a serious breach of discipline.

They both face claims they consumed cocaine in Liverpool between November 26th and 27th, 2010. Garda Newman also faces an allegation that he consumed cocaine at Concert Square, Liverpool, on the morning of Sunday, November 28th, 2010 and, on the same date, was allegedly involved in a drugs transaction at that location.

Mr Justice Seán Ryan this week granted an ex parte (one side only represented) application on behalf of both gardaí for leave to challenge the disciplinary inquiry in judicial review proceedings.