A MAJOR probe is under way after a woman who was allegedly filmed by a garda as she walked naked in a busy street took her own life just days later.

The officer has been accused of using his mobile phone to record CCTV footage of her arrest in Dublin last month and then sharing it in a WhatsApp group.

4 The woman whose arrested was illicitly filmed took her own life days after the footage was removed from Facebook Credit: Alamy

The north Dublin woman had been suffering from depression and was receiving treatment for drug addiction when she was detained in the city on April 7 under the Mental Treatment Act.

It’s understood the video clip was posted to Facebook three days later by another individual — and viewed 123,000 times within a 24-hour period.

Facebook removed the clip on April 11 after being contacted by senior gardai but the woman’s body was found in the Munster area the following day.

The Garda Ombudsman Commission confirmed an investigation was launched after they were ­contacted by senior management.

The officer at the centre of the allegation is suspended on full pay.

It’s understood he denies the allegation and any wrongdoing whatsoever.

4 Operators with screens in traffic control room, stock image Credit: Getty Images

GSOC investigators will try to establish if the video’s appearance online contributed to the woman making the decision to end her own life on April 12.

A spokeswoman said: “GSOC received a referral from the Garda Siochana in relation to this matter.

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“They must refer any matter that appears to indicate that the ­conduct of a member of the Garda Siochana may have resulted in the death of, or serious harm to, a person so that it can be investigated independently.

“GSOC is undertaking an investigation into the conduct of gardai in relation to this woman before her tragic death.”

4 The footage was shared on Whatsapp and later Facebook Credit: Alamy

We contacted the woman’s family yesterday but they were not in a position to comment on the case.

But a close friend last night paid tribute to her, saying: “She was an engaging, funny and intelligent young woman who touched so many lives. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends.

“She had her problems and only started taking drugs when she was in her mid-20s.

“She suffered from mental health problems and questions need to be asked about the level of care available to people with similar issues.

“This is a very sensitive case and has been difficult to deal with.”

Gardai are also conducting their own investigation into the incident.

4 GSOC are investigating after senior Gardai had the video removed from Facebook Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

A detective superintendent has been appointed over allegations the officer may have committed a “reckless endangerment” offence by sharing the video.

Cops will also examine if he has breached privacy laws and Garda protocol if he used a State phone to film the incident from official Garda equipment.

Top brass also contacted the Data Commissioner after discovering the video had been posted online.

A source said: “When this incident came to the attention of local management, they acted immediately.

“Garda management also contacted Facebook and made representations to them to remove the video immediately.

“Efforts were made to minimise the personal impact of the video being shared and management have been pro-active in addressing this allegation of reckless behaviour by the guard. Given the ­gravity and nature of the allegation, they fulfilled their duty by bringing it to the attention of GSOC and the Data Commissioner.

“A criminal investigation was also initiated once it had been established the young woman had taken her own life.”



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