A GARDA inspector has denied before the High Court claims he slandered a Limerick solicitor whom he had questioned in relation to an allegation by a special needs student that she was sexually assaulted following a Christmas party.
In proceedings before Mr Justice Eamon de Valera and a jury, John Devane, Quinlan Street, Limerick, is taking action for damages over alleged slander against then Garda sergeant, now Inspector Seamus Nolan; the Ministers for Justice and Finance; the Garda Commissioner; and Ireland and the Attorney General. The claims are denied.
Mr Devane claims that after the sexual assault allegations were put to him by gardaí in an interview in December 1999, he was slandered by Sgt Nolan during an interview with Mr Devane’s former partner and mother of his daughter.
Mr Devane claims his former partner, Allison Carty, was told by Sgt Nolan if she ever had “a problem of a sexual nature” in relation to Mr Devane and his daughter, Sgt Nolan would personally investigate it and ensure Mr Devane was charged.
It is also alleged Sgt Nolan told Mr Devane’s sister, Aine Cuddihy, that Sgt Nolan could destroy Mr Devane’s career and make it known around town that Mr Devane was accused of rape.
Mr Devane’s action for false imprisonment is no longer proceeding, while proceedings against retired garda superintendent Gerard Mahon have been withdrawn. In evidence yesterday, Insp Nolan said he had not said anything slanderous to either Ms Carty or Ms Cuddihy during a Garda investigation in 1999 into a claim by a young woman with special needs. Mr Devane had categorically denied the allegation of sexual assault, and the jury has been told he is totally innocent in that regard. The case continues.