Judge asks for information on allegation that garda photographed whistleblower in court

A High Court judge has requested information regarding an allegation that a senior garda photographed a whistleblower and three accompanying individuals inside a courtroom. The Practice Directions and Rules of the Superior Courts prohibit audio and visual recordings of court proceedings. Counsel for Detective Chief Superintendent Brian O'Reilly informed Mr Justice Micheál O'Higgins that the photograph allegedly originated from an account associated with Superintendent Liam White and was shared within a WhatsApp group. According to the submission, the image showed individuals accompanying Supt O'Reilly in court, with a message requesting identification of one person present. Mr Justice O'Higgins invited any party with knowledge of the matter to submit written correspondence to the court. He indicated he would examine the existing legal prohibitions before the case returns for further consideration. The hearing concerned Supt O'Reilly's appeal of a Circuit Court decision rejecting his claim that he had been penalised following protected disclosures regarding unsafe garda firearm holsters. The matter was adjourned to May 19th for additional submissions.