**Trial Unfolds in Alleged Garda Interference with Traffic Cases**

UPDATE: A major trial involving four gardaí and a retired superintendent is currently underway, revealing shocking allegations of unlawful interference in road traffic prosecutions. The courtroom at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court has become the focal point of an intense investigation by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI).

The trial heard that authorities captured hundreds of screenshots of WhatsApp messages exchanged between former superintendent Eamon O’Neill and the accused gardaí, who face a total of 39 counts of “engaging in conduct tending and intended to pervert the course of justice.” The charges stem from an investigation that began in 2021, focusing on potential interference in prosecutions for serious offenses such as driving without insurance and using a mobile phone while driving.

In a dramatic turn of events, video evidence was presented showing Garda Colm Geary being questioned under caution by GNBCI detectives. During this interview, Geary revealed that O’Neill had contacted him regarding a motorist facing a fixed charge penalty notice for allegedly driving without insurance in Co Clare. Geary confirmed that O’Neill asked him to reach out to another Garda to see if anything could be done for the motorist.

Geary described a text exchange with O’Neill, which included a message with an image of a letter from the Clare Garda Traffic Unit that stated the motorist’s case had been adjourned. O’Neill’s message asked, “What’s the story with this poor man?” Geary responded, “That’s all sorted.” When questioned about O’Neill’s intentions, Geary stated, “I presume he was looking for the case not to go to court…he didn’t say why, I didn’t ask him.”

The courtroom atmosphere was tense as Sergeant Adrian Condon, from Cappamore Garda Station, testified about his long-standing relationship with O’Neill. He acknowledged receiving messages from him, including one where O’Neill expressed distress over being caught speeding. O’Neill’s plea hinted at the possibility of using discretion in his case, raising further questions about the integrity of law enforcement practices.

Detective Garda Kevin Farrell, a telecommunications expert, provided critical evidence by detailing the extraction of data from the mobile phones involved in the investigation. Under cross-examination, he clarified that a message marked as “Read” doesn’t confirm it was actually read, highlighting the complexities of digital communication records.

The prosecution asserts that O’Neill is central to the case, with all alleged offenses linked to his actions. The implications of this trial extend beyond the individuals involved, raising serious concerns about the integrity of law enforcement in Ireland.

As the trial continues, attention will focus on how the evidence presented will impact the accused and whether it will lead to broader repercussions within the Gardaí. This developing story underscores the critical intersection of law enforcement, justice, and public trust.

Stay tuned for updates as this urgent case unfolds.