The Garda Representative Association (GRA) has voiced ‘shock’ that a garda is to face criminal prosecution over his driving in relation to an incident in which three criminals were killed on the N7 in Dublin two years ago while fleeing from gardaí.
A sitting of Dublin District Coroner’s Court yesterday heard that the DPP has directed that a garda involved in the pursuit of the three males, who were members of a Tallaght-based criminal gang that specialised in burglaries, is to be charged with a driving offence.
The three victims – Dean Maguire (29), Karl Freeman (26) and Graham Taylor (31) – were killed instantly when their BMW vehicle burst into flames following a head-on crash with a truck between Citywest and Baldonnel on July 7, 2021 while they were driving on the wrong side of the carriageway.
A designated officer with Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC), Seán Campbell, applied for an adjournment of the inquest into the deaths of the three men based on the new development in the case.
Mr Campbell said the garda facing the prosecution was still not aware of the precise offence with which he would be charged and consequently he did not wish to say anything further on the matter.
Now, GRA President Brendan O’Connor said “the news that any member would face the threat of criminal charges for any actions while carrying out their duties for the protection of the public has come as a shock.”
He added that it is “extremely concerning for our members.”
In a statement, Mr O’Connor added that as the details or context of any possible charges are not yet known, it would be inappropriate to comment any further on the matter.
However, he said the GRA “will be providing any assistance and support we can to our colleague at this time.”
The inquest has now been adjourned until May 23 on the basis that criminal proceedings are being considered.
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