Gsoc has launched an internal investigation into the matter.
A Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (Gsoc) officer has resigned following allegations he and Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch attended the same party on Monday (17 April), according to reports.
That same Monday, Hutch was found not guilty in the Special Criminal Court of the murder of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel seven years ago.
The Irish Times says it understands that the Gsoc investigator told colleagues that he had been at a house party on Monday evening that Hutch also attended. The outlet reports that some Gsoc personnel were concerned by the claim and reported it to senior management and that the officer has since resigned.
Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch being followed by the media and reporters after being freed following his court case at the Criminal Courts on Monday
In a statement to JOE regarding the matter, a Gsoc spokesperson said:
“GSOC became aware in recent days of a potential conflict of interest involving a staff member.
“GSOC immediately commenced an internal investigation into the matter.
“The officer concerned has now submitted their resignation and GSOC’s investigation is ongoing.
“GSOC has no further comment at this time.”
Meanwhile, the Department of Justice told JOE that the department and the Minister for Justice were notified by Gsoc of an issue with a staff member on Friday afternoon.
The Justice Minister has also issued a statement that reads:
“This is a serious matter which needs to be investigated. That investigation is being considered by GSOC, so it would not be appropriate for me to comment on it at this time.
“I have requested a report from the Chairperson of GSOC, which I expect to receive in the coming days.
“I will say that GSOC has a vital role in upholding confidence in policing in Ireland, and it is incredibly important that public confidence in GSOC be maintained.”
Gsoc is an independent statutory body set up in 2007 to provide efficient, fair and independent oversight of policing in Ireland. Its primary responsibility is to deal with complaints made by members of the public concerning the conduct of members of An Garda Síochána.
Main and article image via Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ie
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