Waterford: Garda Cleared Of Assault Takes Disciplinary Proceedings Legal Challenge

A garda who was cleared on appeal of assaulting a handcuffed prisoner has gone to the High Court to try and stop disciplinary proceedings against him.

Garda Tom McKenna, who has been suspended from the force for the past four years, received a three-month suspended sentence and a €750 fine at Waterford District Court for assault causing harm to a Polish man.

The court heard the man was punched and slapped in the head while handcuffed at Waterford Garda Station in 2010.

However his conviction was overturned last year at a Circuit Court appeal.

Garda McKenna – who remains suspended – claims he was expressly informed by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission that no further action would be taken.

In light of that alleged assurance he is now trying to stop internal garda disciplinary proceedings against him.

Garda McKenna has secured an order putting the investigation into his conduct on hold while the courts deal with his legal challenge.

Waterford: Gardai Raid Houses, Premises In Drive Against Organised Crime: *UPDATED

Up to 100 gardaí are taking part in a series of raids on houses and premises in Waterford City.
**More than 100 gardaí are continuing to take part in searches of houses in Waterford city as part of an investigation into organised crime.

At least six units from the Garda Armed Response Division led the raids and searches of a number of houses and premises in and around the city, shortly before 7am.

It is understood more than 24 houses were searched.

Gardaí say it is part of an ongoing intelligence-led operation into organised criminal activity in Waterford, and in particular one organisation involved in illegal money lending and other activities. 

The searches were carried out by gardaí based in Waterford Division, assisted by officers from the Criminal Assets Bureau, regional support units, the organised crime unit, the air support unit and the garda dog unit.

Before today, the operation has led to more than 40 arrests and gardaí expect to make a number of arrests following these searches.

*Gardaí say the operation has been ongoing for some time with over 40 arrests to date.

The operation is part of a drive against organised crime and involves local units and armed units.

Support from the Criminal Assets Bureau and Garda Air Support is being provided.

MORE TO FOLLOW: As It Becomes Available (editor).