Damages case starts over 1991 arrests

A retired Detective Inspector and a mother of four have begun High Court proceedings for damages after being arrested 12 years ago and held for three days.

Joe Walsh, of Oaklawn Drive, Dromlin in Nenagh and Kay Bedford from Keyes Row, Sandmall in Limerick are claiming compensation for false imprisonment and slander by conduct.

In September 1991 Kay Bedford was baking when gardaí arrived at her door with a search warrant. After a search of the house Ms Bedford was told she was suspected of being a member of the IRA.

She was arrested under Section 30 of the Offences Against The State Act and taken to Dublin's Bridewell Garda Station where she was held until the following Sunday.

On the day of Ms Bedford's arrest, Mr Walsh, then a Scenes of Crime officer and a Detective Inspector, was approached by Inspector Anthony Fennessy and also arrested under the Offences Against The State Act.

He too was brought to the Bridewell.

At the start of their action for damages in the High Court today, senior counsel John McMenamin said Kay Bedford was held in a cold and smelly cell. She was baffled by the arrest.

She told the jury in the High Court that she had no connection with any form of politics and knows nothing about the IRA.

Mr McMenamin said Mr Walsh knew a number of people involved in Sinn Féin but he was not a sneaking sympathiser.

In the Bridewell he was asked about his relationship with Ms Bedford and if she was involved in the IRA. He was never told why he was arrested.

Both plaintiffs are suing the State and Inspector Anthony Fennessy.

Mr Walsh is also suing Thomas A Sloyan, an Assistant Commissioner.

All the defendants are contesting the claims made against them.

The case is continuing.