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.

Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie

Garda whistleblower Keith Harrison cleared to return to work

Harrison has been on unpaid leave for a number of months after his illness benefit scheme expired.

GARDA WHISTLEBLOWER KEITH Harrison has been medically cleared to return to work after two-and-a-half years on sick leave.

Harrison has made a number of claims about his treatment by senior gardaí since he arrested another garda in Athlone for suspected drink driving in 2009.

He has alleged that people he previously arrested were approached and asked whether they wished to make complaints against him, that surveillance was placed on him and that information about a garda inquiry into him was deliberately leaked.

The whistleblower, who was eventually transferred to Buncrana in Co Donegal, has been on leave due to work-related stress for the last 30 months. He has claimed he suffered panic-attacks due to the harassment he experienced over the five-year period after he arrested his colleague.

It is understood Harrison was assessed by the medical officer at Garda Headquarters in Dublin yesterday and deemed fit for work.

This recommendation will now be sent to management and he is expected to return as early as next month, though he will be placed in a different station in Donegal. Harrison has been on leave without pay for a number of months after his illness benefit scheme expired.

The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) is currently investigating his claims.

Read: Sinn Féin TD makes protected disclosure over alleged garda malpractice>

Read: Their stories aren’t new, but you’re about to hear a lot more about these OTHER garda whistleblowers>

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
39 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