A member of An Garda Síochána has been brought before the courts in connection with an alleged pattern of harassment targeting a fellow officer — involving bananas, according to reports, reports The Mirror.
The Irish Mirror has verified that a male garda has been formally charged and appeared in court recently over claims that he repeatedly harassed a female colleague.
He was granted bail by the district court, and his case has been postponed to a future date, reports The Mirror.
The inquiry into his conduct has been ongoing for over a year and a half, and includes accusations that he knew of the alleged victim’s fear of bananas and exploited that knowledge.
Garda authorities have refused to provide a statement when approached, reports The Mirror.
A spokesman told us: “An Garda Síochána does not comment on matters before the Courts. An Garda Síochána does not comment on internal disciplinary matters.”
It has been established that the officer, who is stationed at a location outside the Leinster region, is facing one charge of harassment or stalking against the named individual, who is also a garda, between the dates of September 2019 and March 2023, reports The Mirror.
The charge falls under section 10(1) of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997, as amended by Section 23 of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023.
Section 23 covers harassment and stalking behaviours, which include acts like following, monitoring, watching, tracking, or spying on someone, as well as pestering or communicating with or about a person, reports The Mirror.
Should the matter remain before the district court, the accused faces a potential prison sentence of up to 12 months, along with a maximum fine of €5,000.
However, if the case is transferred to the circuit court, he could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison, along with a monetary penalty.
The charge was brought following the officer’s arrest by fellow gardai late last year. Investigating officers prepared a file for the Director of Public Prosecutions, who directed that one charge be brought against the accused, reports The Mirror.
The case revolves around claims that the man persistently targeted the female garda with acts of harassment — including the use of bananas.
It is believed the two officers were acquainted, but the woman did not wish to pursue a personal relationship. Following this, it is alleged, the male officer began to harass her over a prolonged period, reports The Mirror.
Sources allege that the man began by sending her numerous unwanted text messages and also made insulting remarks in front of other members of the force.
The conduct reportedly escalated once he became aware of her phobia of bananas, sources claim.
Investigators looked into reports that he deliberately placed bananas inside Garda vehicles the woman was scheduled to use, as well as in various rooms within the station, reports The Mirror.
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