THE TAOISEACH HAS called for a review into the handling of an investigation by the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI) which led to the Limerick road traffic cancelling trial. 

Four serving gardaí were cleared in a Limerick court this week of perverting the course of justice after a six year long investigation and eight week trial.

A jury at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court cleared the officers and a retired superintendent of any wrongdoing after an eight-week trial. 

The case centred around the termination of road traffic tickets after requests by members of the public to gardaí not to issue fines. Defence successfully argued that the gardaí were using their power of discretion to halt minor prosecutions. 

Questions are now being raised over the logic of pursuing the case, with estimates that it could have cost an estimated €3 million.

In the Dáil, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, answering questions from Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe, said it was time to reflect on what led to the case. Crowe questioned the cost of the trial and also said he believed it was a “witch hunt”. 

Martin said, “It is fair to say that those gardaí have been acquitted by the courts. That is an issue on which we have to reflect.

“I will discuss the matter with the Minister for Justice and the implications of that.

“It seems that a review of what transpired needs to happen because it impacted Garda morale more broadly and had a significant negative impact on the careers of the five gardaí and, as the Deputy stated, of others as well,” the Taoiseach said. 

From left: ex Superintendent Eamon O'Neill, Gda Tom McGlinchey, Gda Anne Marie Hassett, Garda Colm Geary and Sgt Michelle Leahy.

In strong and expansive comments, the Taoiseach said that the principle of garda discretion was “important” and he questioned the proportionality of the State taking the prosecution.

“The principle of discretion is important. An Garda Síochána has served us well. There have to be checks and balances in every system.

 “There has to be accountability. There has to be perspective in how all of these issues are dealt with.

“Given what transpired, one has to question whether the principle of perspective was applied here or not,” the Taoiseach added. 

The four serving gardaí, Garda Anne-Marie Hassett, Garda Tom McGlinchey, Garda Colm Geary and Sergeant Michelle Leahy have all had their five-year-long suspensions lifted. Former Superintendent Eamon O’Neill had retired from the force.

Two other gardaí, members of the Limerick Road Policing Unit, have had their suspensions extended. They were not charged with offences due to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) directing that there was no evidence to support a prosecution.

Labour TD Alan Kelly has also raised questions, both in the Dáil and in the Oireachtas Justice Committee. Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has refused to comment on the investigation.