Ombudsman questioned categorisation of domestic disturbance

A senior garda officer's decision to categorise a domestic disturbance complaint under provisions relating to serious harm or death was later questioned by the Garda Ombudsman, the Charleton Tribunal heard. The October 2013 complaint involved allegations that Garda Keith Harrison had made threats during a late-night argument in Milford, County Donegal, where he was stationed. Superintendent Eugene McGovern, then in charge of the Milford district, told the tribunal he considered the matter serious enough to warrant referral to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission under Section 102, citing emotional and psychological harm to the complainant. A senior GSOC investigator subsequently indicated the complaint might not qualify as a Section 102 referral. The complainant later withdrew her statement to gardaí and informed GSOC she did not wish to pursue a complaint. The tribunal is examining contacts between gardaí and child welfare agencies relating to the officer.