April 2011

A CIRCUIT Court Judge was affirmed the order of the District Court regarding sentences imposed on a Shell to Sea protester but suspended the custodial sentences unconditionally.
Maura Harrington  (pictured) of Doohoma, Belmullet appeared before Ballina Circuit Court to await the decision of Judge Raymond Groarke who had adjourned sentencing for 12 months. Ms Harrington had appealed a number of convictions which were imposed in Belmullet District Court and these appeals were heard in February 2010.

Corrib Gardaí caught on  confiscated camcorder

Investigation under way after ‘rape’ comments found on protestor’s tape

GARDAÍ in north Mayo who joked among themselves about raping two women they had just arrested during a Corrib gas protest on Thursday last are today (Tuesday) the subject of a Garda Ombudsman Commission  complaint. A senior garda has also been appointed to investigate the matter.
The gardaí, one of whom was a sergeant, were en route to Belmullet Garda Station, while the two women whom they had arrested for public order offences were traveling in two other separate garda cars. The gardaí were not aware that a camcorder they had confiscated was still recording.
“Give me your name and address or I’ll rape you,” the sergeant said.
To much laughter another garda repeated: “Hold it there. Give me your name and address there… I’ll rape you.”
After more laughter, the sergeant repeated: “I’ll definitely rape you.”

PRESS STATEMENT – CORRIB POLICING – 05/04/2011

Pobal Chill Chomáin condemns in the strongest possible terms the
comments - reportedly made by on-duty Gardai - relating to the

TWO INVESTIGATIONS have begun into the conduct of gardaí associated with the arrest of two women during protests over the Corrib gas project in north Mayo late last week.

The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission said it had initiated an inquiry “in the public interest” into “reported Garda conduct”.

A separate investigation is also being conducted by a senior member of the force to establish the facts and report on the matter.