Five Irish police officers stand trial for allegedly improperly influencing traffic prosecutions, including a 2018 case involving hurler Pat Ryan.

Five Irish police officers, including a retired superintendent and four current or former gardaí, are on trial over allegations they improperly influenced traffic prosecutions, particularly regarding a 2018 speeding case involving Limerick hurler Pat Ryan. The defendants face charges of conduct intended to pervert the course of justice, with evidence including text messages and testimony about using discretion to drop or alter cases. Prosecution witnesses, including senior officers, stated that such discretionary actions—like issuing informal warnings or withdrawing charges—are standard in policing and not inherently improper. Inspector John Dunne testified he relayed a request from retired Superintendent Eamon O’Neill to exercise discretion in a mobile phone driving case, which he deemed routine and not significant. No witness claimed their actions were illegal, and none reported being investigated. The trial continues as the jury evaluates whether routine police practices crossed into misconduct.