Unit seized phones in points probe

THE Garda penalty points trial has heard a “specialist” Garda unit raided a number of stations and homes and seized mobile phones in the probe.

- BY DAVID RALEIGH

The five accused, who deny a total of 39 counts, are retired superintendent Eamon O'Neill; serving Sergeants Michelle Leahy and Anne-Marie Hassett; Garda Tom McGlinchey and Garda Colm Geary, all within the Limerick and Clare divisions.

Det Sgt Robert Madden, of the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, gave evidence that in 2019, the unit began investigating alleged interference in pending or potential fixed charge penalty notices (FCPNs).