Garda trainees suspended after allegedly handcuffing fellow trainee

James Cox

Five trainees at the Garda College have been suspended after an incident in which they allegedly handcuffed and then threw the trainee into a shower.

The incident occurred at the Garda College in Templemore, Co Tipperary on Thursday and an internal investigation has been launched.

Two sources close to the Garda College told BreakingNews.ie that the victim of the incident is considering dropping out.

The incident was described as a "prank" by those involved, but the victim is adamant this was not the case.

In response to a query about the alleged incident, a Garda spokesperson said: "An Garda Síochána does not comment on ongoing internal investigations."

Numbers at the Garda College have been boosted as part of the Government's attempt to strengthen the force.

Speaking after the latest intake, Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan said: "This Government is fully committed to strengthening An Garda Síochána by 5,000 members over the next five years.

"We have already taken a number of significant measures to boost recruitment and we will continue to explore all options. More and more Gardaí are coming through this College and onto our streets, and this shows these measures are working.

"I have made increasing recruitment to An Garda Síochána a priority issue. More Gardaí in our cities, villages, and towns is fundamental to achieving our goal of ensuring people are safe and feel safe.”