Former Garda Reserve member pleads guilty to counts of Rape and Sexual Assault following independent GSOC investigation.

A former member of the Garda Reserve has pleaded guilty to sample counts of rape, sexual assault and gross indecency in the Central Criminal Court today (Monday 18 December 2023).

The prosecution of the former Garda Reserve was directed by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) following the completion of an independent criminal investigation by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC).

The offences took place over the course of a number of years, starting when the victim was fourteen years of age.

The hearing was adjourned for sentencing on 22 January 2024.

Speaking today, GSOC Chair Rory MacCabe said:

“The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) welcomes the conclusion of this case, which concerned very serious sexual offences, including offences committed against a minor by a person in a position of trust and authority.

I would like to commend my GSOC colleagues for their hard work in conducting this criminal investigation, and in providing sustained support to the victim of these crimes.  GSOC is particularly grateful to the victim for his cooperation throughout the investigation. GSOC acknowledges and understands that staying the course in an investigation and prosecution such as this is not an easy thing to do.

GSOC takes allegations of abuse by members of An Garda Síochána very seriously. Any person who has been the subject abuse by a member of An Garda Síochána may take a complaint to GSOC. You will be heard, and your complaint will be examined thoroughly.”

To make a complaint to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, LoCall 0818 600 800 or fill out a complaint form at www.gardaombudsman.ie

If you or someone you know is suffering from domestic, sexual or gender-based violence, there are government-supported national and local services. For a full list of these services, please visit www.cosc.ie.

ENDS

NOTE TO EDITOR

Further case details

• At a hearing in the Central Criminal Court on 31 October 2023 the accused pleaded guilty to one count of Rape, contrary to section 4 of the Criminal Law (Rape) Amendment Act 1990. At today’s hearing, he pleaded guilty to a further count of rape, two counts of sexual assault contrary to s2 Criminal Law (Rape) (Amendment) Act 1990 and two counts of gross indecency with a male under 17 years of age, contrary to section 4 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 1993.

 The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC)

The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) is an independent statutory body, established under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and set up in 2007.  GSOC’s role is to independently investigate complaints made by members of the public concerning the conduct of members of An Garda Síochána, or incidents referred to it by An Garda Síochána, by the Minister, or by the Policing Authority.

Under its founding legislation, GSOC has the statutory power to conduct criminal investigations, during the course of which it has full policing powers, “equivalent to all the powers, immunities and privileges conferred and all the duties imposed on members of An Garda Síochána”.

In addition to conducting independent investigations into serious crimes, GSOC deploys specialist victim and family liaison officers (FLO) as a point of contact for victims or their families, providing information, support and updates on the progress of the investigation, as well as during legal proceedings arising from an investigation.