Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Niall Carson/PA

Claims alleged rape of woman by garda was never placed on internal PULSE system

The alleged incident is said to have happened in August 2013.

A LETTER SENT by the Department of Justice to the victim of an alleged garda rape claims that the incident was never placed on the internal Pulse system which is used to track complaints made by the public.

The woman alleges she was raped in 2013, during which the man told her of his sexual fantasies involving children.

The garda who is alleged to have attacked the woman is now under investigation by GSOC over sexual assault on an 11-year-old girl.

The woman said she contacted two senior garda members about what had happened and described how she was the victim of a sexual assault and that the man in question had said he was attracted to young girls, according to the Irish Independent.

However, the letter sent by the Department of Jusitce to the woman and seen by TheJournal.ie said that Tusla and the HSE were not informed of the claims until a complaint was made to GSOC six months later.

The letter sent to the woman about her case said a disciplinary investigation was conducted by GSOC after it was alleged “a number of breaches of discipline were investigated including failure to secure evidence, including CCTV, mobile phones and clothing, and failure to record the incident on the Garda PULSE system”.

These alleged breaches were in relation to the woman’s case.

Noeline Blackwell, CEO of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC), said the reports were very worrying.

She told TheJournal.ie: “This incident happened back in August 2013. The garda inspectorate issued a report in 2014 which said there were failures to use the Pulse system adequately. So there is that.

“At the moment we’re looking at something gardaí are investigating. We have to be careful in what we say but this badly needs to be investigated.

We depend on gardaí to be on the forefront of our protection and the protection of our society.

“It’s a most serious allegation. I would hope the investigation will be carried out thoroughly and quickly.”

When contacted, GSOC said it was not in any position to give out any information.

Read: Gardaí investigating RIRA murder appeal to public for potential ‘dashcam footage’ evidence >

Read: ‘It’s complete madness’: Two Dublin councillors want a cable car from Tallaght to the Hellfire Club >

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
15 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds