Garda Raymond Hegarty challenges fresh suspension over 2017 sexual act in Lismore station
In 2017, Garda Raymond Hegarty engaged in a sexual act with a woman in Lismore Garda station, Waterford, and failed to take a statement from her. A prior disciplinary process recommended resignation, which was overturned on appeal in January 2020 and replaced with a reduction in wages, and he was suspended from duties from September 2018 to mid-October 2023. The Supreme Court overturned the High Court and Court of Appeal decisions in a four-to-one majority in July 2025. On 15 August 2025, Hegarty was served with a section 51 suspension notice while out of work through injury, and in September 2025 the High Court granted him leave to bring judicial review proceedings seeking to quash the notice.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court10 Sep
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Garda Raymond Hegarty engaged in a sexual act with a woman in Lismore Garda station in 2017 and failed to take a statement from her.
- Where
- The incident took place in Lismore Garda station, Waterford.
- When
- The sexual act occurred in 2017.
- Investigation
- A prior disciplinary process recommended resignation, which was overturned on appeal in January 2020 and replaced with a reduction in wages.
- In court
- Hegarty was suspended from duties from September 2018 to mid-October 2023.
- The Supreme Court overturned the High Court and Court of Appeal decisions in a four-to-one majority in July 2025.
- In September 2025, Mr Justice Rory Mulcahy granted Hegarty leave to seek orders in judicial review proceedings, including one quashing the section 51 notice.
- Charges
- On 15 August 2025, Hegarty was served with a section 51 suspension notice while out of work through injury.
- Other details
- The section 51 notice was based on the opinion of then Garda Commissioner Drew Harris.
- The current Commissioner is Justin Kelly, appointed on 1 September 2025.
- Mark Harty SC represented Garda Hegarty in the proceedings.
9 statements extracted from the articles
- whatHegarty failed to take a statement from the woman. (irishtimes.com)
- whenHegarty was suspended from duties from September 2018 to mid-October 2023. (irishtimes.com)
- whenHegarty was served with the section 51 suspension notice on 15 August 2025 while out of work through injury. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe Supreme Court overturned the High Court and Court of Appeal decisions in a four-to-one majority in July 2025. (irishtimes.com)
- courtMr Justice Rory Mulcahy granted leave to seek orders in judicial review proceedings, including one quashing the section 51 notice. (irishtimes.com)
- otherA prior disciplinary process recommended resignation, which was overturned on appeal in January 2020 and replaced with a reduction in wages. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe section 51 notice was based on the opinion of then Garda Commissioner Drew Harris. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe current Commissioner is Justin Kelly, appointed on 1 September 2025. (irishtimes.com)
- otherMark Harty SC represented Garda Hegarty in the proceedings. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 10 Sep2025Garda who engaged in sexual act with woman in station challenges fresh suspension
High Court grants leave for judicial review to quash the section 51 suspension notice; judge notes unusual circumstances of prior reinstatement and new Commissioner; Hegarty also seeks access to all materials considered by the commissioner.
suspect, Raymond Hegarty, male, named, irish (judged from name)Raymond Hegartyvictim, female