Pair in court over GSOC shot dog probe

A man and a woman were due to appear before a Dublin court yesterday (Tuesday) charged in connection with providing false information to the Garda Ombudsman over a disturbance in north Longford last year during which a dog was allegedly shot dead, the Leader can reveal.

The husband and wife were interviewed by officials from the garda watchdog after the 29-year-old man allegedly sustained minor injuries to his lower leg when a bullet from a then garda sergeant’s leg ricocheted.

A dog was also allegedly wounded during the incident which occurred last December on the outskirts of Granard.

Read also: Alleged victim in Longford shooting lodges official GSOC complaint

The Garda sergeant involved in the incident and who has since been promoted to the rank of inspector, was dealing with a highly charged situation at the time and was being confronted by a number of people.

Video footage of the stand-off, which was circulated on mainstream media within hours of the incident, showed the garda being pulled by the tie as one man tried to drive away from the scene while another man attempted to stop him.

In the aftermath of a lengthy inquiry, the officer was cleared of any wrongdoing in discharging his firearm.

It's understood GSOC launched a separate probe in relation to being given a false statement arising out of the incident.

Garda sources, meanwhile, have said they were aware of the ensuing inquiry concerning allegations surrounding false information being provided to the garda watchdog.

A spokeswoman for GSOC, said the body was not in a position to comment on the case which was listed for mention before the Courts of Criminal Justice (CCJ) on Tuesday

Read also: Formal investigation into Longford shooting still to get underway, say GSOC