The Garda Commissioner, Mr Noel Conroy, has appointed a chief superintendent from the Southern Region to investigate allegations that a Garda superintendent asked for a payment of €30,000 to stop the prosecution of a woman accused of stealing from his wife's shop.
On Monday, the High Court heard that Supt Patrick Doyle - then stationed in Westport and whose wife, Ms Bernie Doyle, owns the Beez Neez children's clothes shop at Castle Street, Castlebar - had sought the €30,000 during a conversation with Mr Daniel Coleman, solicitor for Ms Margaret McGreal.
Supt Doyle threatened that failure to pay €30,000 would result in him "hanging" the woman in court, it was claimed at the High Court. The money was paid, the court was told.
Ms McGreal denies stealing €582.90 from the shop.
On Monday, Mr Justice O'Neill granted leave to Ms McGreal, Main Street, Balla, Castlebar, Co Mayo, to seek, in judicial review proceedings against the DPP, orders restraining her prosecution. On the application of Ms Gráinne McMorrow SC, with Mr Alan Toal, for Ms McGreal, he also granted a stay preventing the DPP from taking any further steps in the prosecution of Ms McGreal pending the outcome of her High Court action.
