The independent Garda watchdog has no interest in the case of a police officer who abused his position in a terror campaign against his cancer-stricken ex-partner.
aul Moody was sentenced to three years and three months in prison for compulsive control over the woman, including assault, torture and threats.
He searched the data system Pulse for information about his victim, her family and friends and intercepted a complaint against him with his superiors by the woman.
He subjected her to verbal, physical, online and telephone abuse.
Gardaí was called to the scene after Moody, who resigned this week, assaulted the critically ill woman and a neighbor named 999.
However, his actions only came to gardaí’s attention after he filed a complaint against a relative of his ex.
Moody was eventually investigated, suspended and prosecuted, but the case has raised serious questions for An Garda Síochána.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris is likely to be questioned about the matter today at a police authority meeting.
I can confirm that this case is not the subject of analysis, review or investigation by Gsoc
The police conduct its own internal assessment of domestic violence cases involving its members.
However, the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) has no interest in the case, despite public concern about it.
“I can confirm that this matter is not the subject of analysis, review or investigation by Gsoc,” a spokesperson said.
The ombudsman investigates complaints, but can also start an investigation in the public interest without receiving a complaint.
An Garda Síochána, the police service and the Minister of Justice can also submit problems to the watchdog.
The Moody investigation was launched after the officer on duty filed a complaint about a relative of his victim.
He had his phone checked, but an investigation by Gardaí revealed the abusive relationship with the woman. Gardaí met her and she made a 280-page statement.
Attorney General Helen McEntee has said concerns are being raised about Moody’s behavior going undetected by law enforcement.
“I know people are asking how this wasn’t noticed before,” she said.
Attorney General Helen McEntee
Ms McEntee said that when the seriousness of the case came to light, a “clear, determined position” was taken, with a thorough investigation and prosecution.
“He is no longer a member of the garda,” she added, but did not specify whether Moody was retiring or being fired.
“An Garda Síochána does not comment on internal disciplinary matters,” a statement said.
Police said an internal investigation is underway into gender-related cases of violence involving members.
“An Garda Síochána can confirm that Paul Moody is no longer a member of An Garda Síochána. An Garda Síochána cannot comment on questions related to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission,” a spokesperson said.
“An Garda Síochána began an internal evaluation from a scholarly perspective in early 2022 of gender-based violence/domestic incidents involving members of An Garda Síochána over a two-year period.
“This review is underway to ensure that An Garda Síochána provides all victims of gender-based violence with a best-practice response in line with international experience and that all victims can feel empowered and safe when reporting gender-based violence incidents to An Garda Siochana.”
Moody threatened to blackmail the victim’s friends with information he found on Pulse. When the victim called his garda station to talk to his boss, Moody got a colleague to forward the call to him.