GARDAI are seeking a former member of the force accused of assaulting two women in Dublin in July. The man, who has resigned from the force since the incident, has not been at his usual address and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.
The Director of Public Prosecutions has directed that he be prosecuted for common assault, indecent assault and criminal damage. The direction arises from an incident at a house in Co Dublin which took place while the US aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy was visiting Dun Laoghaire.
The garda, who was at the time stationed in the Border area, was a guest at the house and had returned to it after a three-hour drinking binge. Garda sources said he made a drunken advance to the wife of a US policeman who was also a guest at the house, tearing her clothing.
Another woman at the house was also assaulted. At one stage the two women fled to a room at the top of the house, which is owned by a wealthy Irish-American.
The local gardai were alerted and a squad car with two officers arrived at the house, but they found they needed help.
Two other Garda cars were called, and eventually up to 10 officers were involved in subduing the man, who has been described as large and strong.
The women and the American police officer returned to the US alter giving statements to investigating gardai.