Man claims signature was forged

A SHOPKEEPER, arrested on suspicion of membership of an illegal organisation in 1994, yesterday in the High Court challenged …

A SHOPKEEPER, arrested on suspicion of membership of an illegal organisation in 1994, yesterday in the High Court challenged a Garda Complaints Board decision dismissing his complaint that his signature on a Garda document had been forged.

Mr Noel Stanley (53), of Main Street, Blackrock, Co Louth, sought an order quashing the board's decision dismissing his claim as "vexatious". Miss Justice Laffoy reserved her judgment.

Mr Patrick Gageby SC, for Mr Stanley, said details of his client's arrest were entered in a Garda custody record by a "member in charge". He was released after six hours detention. His solicitor got a copy of the custody record.

Paragraph 24 had the signature "N Stanley" underneath the words "I acknowledge receipt of notice of rights". Mr Stanley maintained he had not signed the document and a complaint was made to the Garda Complaints Board.