Garda chiefs are being criticised for 'using a sledgehammer to crack a nut' over the suspension of a Westmeath Garda who gave a pensioner a bicycle during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Garda was suspended for three years after his home was raided as part of an investigation by the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
It is understood the problem arose in 2020 because the Garda failed to fill out a form after taking the bike from a Garda storeroom.
A disciplinary panel has recommended the Garda should be completely cleared.
The decision has been welcomed by the Garda Representative Association (GRA) but it said community policing was 'blown apart' by the case.
The Garda was suspended as part of an investigation which saw his home raided and the bike taken back from the pensioner.
He was reinstated last August but still faced a disciplinary hearing when he returned to work.
'Relationships destroyed'
GRA General Secretary Ronan Slevin said the case shows a disconnect between management and those on the frontline.
"This was a case where good, decent community policing which is at the very heart of why we are trusted by the people we serve was blown apart and relationships destroyed," he said.
"In essence I believe a sledgehammer of discipline was used to crack a nut and the reputation of a long-serving member was damaged, his honesty questioned and his livelihood threatened.
"Unfortunately this once again shows the disconnect between management and those on the frontline and a lack of common sense and proportionality when investigating community facing policing issues," he added.
Mr Slevin also criticised the approach of "suspend first, ask questions later", which he said has been "instigated and overseen by Garda management and supported by the Commissioner".
The GRA has raised the case with Justice Minister Helen McEntee.
Additional reporting: Teena Gates
