THE GARDA OMBUDSMAN has confirmed that it has launched an investigation after allegations that a garda recorded and shared a video of the arrest of a woman shortly before she took her own life.

The video was published on Facebook and shows a naked woman walking down a Dublin street.

The woman was arrested in Dublin on 7 April under the mental health treatment act.

First reported in The Irish Sun, it is alleged that an officer has been accused of using his mobile phone to record CCTV footage of her arrest, and then shared it in a WhatsApp group.

The subsequent sharing of the video on other media led to it being viewed over 100,000 times on Facebook, before it was removed.

The woman subsequently took her own life. She died on 12 April.

A spokesperson for GSOC told TheJournal.ie: “GSOC received a referral from the Garda Síochana in relation to this matter.

“They must refer any matter that appears to indicate that the conduct of a member of the Garda Síochana may have resulted in the death of, or serious harm to, a person, so that it can be investigated independently.

GSCO is undertaking an investigation into the conduct of gardaí in relation to this woman before her tragic death.

It is believed that the officer in question has been suspended, with full pay.

If you need to talk, contact:

• Pieta House 1800 247 247 or email mary@pieta.ie (suicide, self-harm)
• Samaritans 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
• Aware 1800 80 48 48 (depression, anxiety)
• Teen-Line Ireland 1800 833 634 (for ages 13 to 19)
• Childline 1800 66 66 66 (for under 18s)

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