Retired garda denies rape claim

A retired garda who was involved in investigating a woman’s claims of being abused by a relative is himself being sued over allegedly raping and assaulting her.

The former garda denies her claims and says he was involved in a consensual relationship with her.

Ms Justice Elizabeth Dunne today granted an application by Frank Crean, for the man, for an adjournment of the action which was listed for hearing in the High Court jury list on July 2nd next.

Mr Crean said he accepted the case was initiated some years ago but said his client had new solicitors who considered it was necessary to get medical records, extending back some 20 years, related to the woman. She was a psychiatric patient, he said.

Ms Justice Dunne said this was a very old case, initiated in 2005, and both sides could be criticised for delays in advancing it.

The judge said she considered it was appropriate for the man to seek discovery of medical and other records. It was said the man’s former solicitors had not looked for discovery and that was “unfortunate, to say the least”, the judge added. The case has been adjourned to the next court list to fix dates for jury trials.