Four gardaí have been suspended from duty after allegedly beating a teenager at his home in the Dublin south inner city. The victim has claimed the gardaí used "considerable violence" against him during a group attack.
The decision to suspend the four was taken last night by the Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy. The four, who are based at Dublin's Kilmainham and Kevin St Garda stations, will remain suspended pending the outcome of an investigation by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission.
The case is the first since the Ombudsman's establishment last year involving the suspension of a member under investigation.
The Ombudsman has the power to refer matters of concern to the Director of Public Prosecution and to recommend criminal prosecutions.
The alleged incident took place at Basin St flats in Dublin's South inner city last Sunday week, February 17th.
A group of gardaí called to a dwelling in the flats complex and the victim has alleged he was assaulted by the group.
Other family members were at the property at the time and it is understood that some of the alleged assault may have been witnessed by the victim's family.
The complainant is believed to have been involved in a row with a member of the force on the night of Saturday, February 16th, the day before the alleged group beating took place.
He made a statement to the Garda Ombudsman Commission and a formal investigation was immediately begun. He has been interviewed a number of times as have his family members.
The gardaí involved in the alleged attack have also been interviewed by investigators working for the Ombudsman Commission.
The commission had been in contact with the Garda Commissioner on the issue and the commissioner has now decided the gardaí should be suspended.
Three are from Kilmainham Garda station while the fourth is from Kevin Street.Spokespersons for the Ombudsman Commission and for the Garda both confirmed last night that four members had been suspended as a result of the alleged incident.
They declined to comment further.
