Whistleblower Wilson loses High Court action
Penalty points whistleblower John Wilson has lost a High Court action challenging a finding that he breached garda regulations and neglected his duty.
The retired garda was sanctioned following his attendance at a courthouse in Cavan in 2012 while off duty.
The High Court has ruled that the garda authorities were entitled to ask John Wilson for an explanation as to why he sat beside the defendants during a court case while off duty.
Ms Justice Iseult O'Malley notes that the trial involved a long running dispute between neighbours in an estate in Virgina Co Cavan and his attendance could impinge 'upon the public perception of the force as a whole'
She has found that Gda Wilson should have at least explained that his private life was at issue but instead he suggested a 'degree of bad faith' by asking what was being insinuated about him.
The retired garda gave a limited response to questions outside court on the basis that a further legal application may be made.
He is best known as the whistleblower in the penalty points scandal who recently received an apology from Justice Minister Alan Shatter over remarks made in the Dáil that he had not been co-operative.
