Courts / Dublin / Report

Judge clears way for couple to sue gardai for alleged harassment

Summary

In a High Court decision on 15 October 2014, Mr Justice Michael White allowed Stephen Costello (43) and his wife Karen to pursue a damages claim against the Garda Commissioner for alleged harassment and intimidation. The judge noted that while there had been inordinate and at times inexcusable delays in the case, the court exercised discretion not to dismiss the claim. The Costellos had previously obtained a 2005 injunction preventing Garda entry into their home without a warrant or household request, which the judge vacated as it could not stand. The Commissioner had sought to strike out the claim, citing delays by the Costellos, but the judge found no prejudice to the Commissioner's defence and allowed the claim to proceed to full hearing. The case remains pending, with the court emphasising the need for an expeditious exchange of pleadings and early hearing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Judge clears way for couple to sue gardai for alleged harassment. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• December 2005 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2014-10-15 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Harassment Stalking Stage Hearing Or Decision

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Read the original CNI report