An action by a retired Garda sergeant who had alleged wrongful arrest and false imprisonment against the State, the Garda Commissioner and three gardai was settled at the High Court yesterday.
Mr Paschal McArdle, of Balrothery Gardens, Balbriggan, Co Dublin, brought his action against Ireland, the Attorney General, the Garda Commissioner and three named gardai - Noel Conroy, Santry station; Donal Neill, Rathmines, and Declan Mallon, Cabinteely.
The case was due to open yesterday but Mr Brian McGovern SC told Mr Justice Kelly that he had been instructed by the defendants to read a statement.
It read: "The defendants regret the upset and inconvenience caused to Paschal McArdle and are happy to state he is a person of good character and also accept that no imputation of wrongdoing should be drawn from the events of May 25th, 1989."
Mr John MacMenamin SC, for Mr McArdle, said he was happy to accept the statement on behalf of his client. Mr Justice Kelly struck out the action.