Garda arrested in Cork for falsely alleging misbehaviour by other members of force

A serving member of An Garda Síochána has been arrested by officers investigating the sending of anonymous letters falsely alleging misbehaviour by a number of gardaí in Cork.

The officer - aged in his late 20s and stationed at a Cork city station - was arrested at his home yesterday by investigators from the Tipperary Garda Division.

He was brought to Cahir Garda station for questioning after being detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, which allows suspects to be held for up to 24 hours.

It is understood the arrest follows a Garda investigation into the sending of up to a half dozen anonymous letters to senior Garda management and the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, which falsely alleged misbehaviour by members of the force.

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The alleged offences, which are contrary to Section 12 of the act, are understood to relate to the making of false reports or false statements which result in the wasting of Garda time. The legislation provides for a penalty of €500 or 12 months imprisonment if the offence is dealt with at District Court level or up to five years in jail if dealt with on indictment in the Circuit Court.

It confirmed on Tuesday evening the man was released without charge before 7pm and a file will now be prepared on the matter for the DPP. He has also been suspended from duty from An Garda Síochána.