The dismissal of a garda with more convictions than most people registered on the Garda Pulse system was appropriate and necessary for public confidence in the force, the State has argued before the High Court.
Paul Anthony McDermott, for the State, described as “without merit” the challenge by former garda Kevin Galvin (37) to his dismissal in 2010. He argued Mr Galvin could not have been taken by surprise by the decision to dismiss him. He was convicted at Dublin District Court between 2005 and 2009 of planning, littering and fire safety offences in relation to properties owned by him, and was found to have breached Garda discipline more than six times, Mr McDermott said.
Mr Galvin was a garda for 13 years until June 16th, 2010, when the Government confirmed the Garda Commissioner’s decision to dismiss him.
In his action, Mr Galvin is seeking orders quashing that decision and requiring his reinstatement.
The case concluded yesterday after two days and Mr Justice John Hedigan reserved judgment.
