Garda Sergeant Suspended Over Sexual Assault Allegations

URGENT UPDATE: A Garda Sergeant has been suspended over serious allegations of sexual assault against a female colleague, sources reveal. The officer, stationed in North East Ireland, was suspended in recent weeks following a formal complaint by the female officer, who reportedly is in a long-term relationship.

Sources indicate that the male officer had developed an unhealthy “infatuation” with his colleague, leading to a pattern of alleged sexual harassment over time. The officer is accused of cornering her multiple times and making unnecessary phone calls to her home. Furthermore, it is claimed he restricted her from accompanying other male colleagues on patrol due to his obsession.

In an official statement, An Garda Siochana confirmed the suspension, stating, “A Garda based in the North East is suspended in relation to allegations of sexual assault.” The statement went on to clarify that the matter has been referred to Fiosru, the Office of the Police Ombudsman, under Section 203 of the PSCS Act. An Garda Siochana emphasized that they do not comment on incidents once they have been referred for investigation.

This alarming case highlights broader issues within the Garda force, as Commissioner Justin Kelly reported last month that currently, 100 officers are suspended, including 11 officers facing allegations of sexual assault or misconduct. The ongoing scrutiny of these incidents raises significant concerns about workplace safety and accountability within law enforcement.

As this situation develops, the public and advocacy groups are calling for transparency and justice for victims of harassment and assault. This case serves as a critical reminder of the importance of addressing such allegations seriously and ensuring that all officers uphold the integrity of their positions.

Stay tuned for updates as we continue to follow this urgent story.