Leitrim calls for no garda to work alone at night

One week on from the assault of Garda Padraig Scott in Blacklion, Co Cavan the investigation is still ongoing and witnesses sought.

Members of Leitrim County Council have backed a motion calling for no gardai to be on duty alone at night.

According to Gardai, Padraig Scott remains off duty, recovering from his injuries sustained in an attack on February 28. 

Last  Sunday night March 6; one week from the assault Gardaí carried out a checkpoint on the N16, Loughan, Co. Cavan at the scene of this attack.

Appealing for further information Chief Superintendent McGovern stated, “The investigation team continues to make progress in this investigation and I want to thank the public for their support and the assistance received to date. I continue to appeal for any person with any information on this attack to contact investigating Gardaí.”

 Anyone with information can call Cavan Garda station or the Garda Confidential Phone Number 1800 666 111. Gardai are looking to speak with anyone driving on the N16, Cavan, passing Loughan House Prison, or the R206 and R207, between 7pm Sunday,  February 27  and 3am Monday  February 28.

At Monday's Council meeting, Cllr Mary Bohan noted the recent attack on Garda Padraig Scott, and put forward a proposal calling on members to back the Garda Representative Association (GRA's) in their efforts to highlight the dangers of gardai being on duty alone, especially at night.

She noted the attack has caused “great distress” for Gda Scott and may lead to “long-term health issues” and said that she hoped that this incident is never repeated. She said that it was important no garda be on duty alone.

Cllr Just Warnock backed her call noting  the attack “sends out a terrible signal to the rest of our society.” 

Cllr Sean McDermott also backed the motion adding that “no garda should ever have to be on duty on their own.”

This was also echoed by Cllr Felim Gurn who also pointed out “before this, gardai in Leitrim covered Blacklion but that (cover) was changed to Cavan.

Cllr Enda McGloin, who also serves as chair of the Leitrim Joint Policing Committe commented “these incidents are negatively” affecting efforts to encourage people to join the force. He stressed it was vital to ensure “two gardai are put together in cars at all times while on duty.”

Cllr Padraig Fallon and Cathaoirleach Cllr Paddy O'ROurke also added their support to the motion.

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