The Garda had been suspended after the incident.
A midlands Garda who was suspended after giving a pensioner a bike during the pandemic has been re-instated.
The GRA says the process has vindicated the Westmeath Garda and endorsed the integrity of his actions and decision making.
However, it also accused Commissioner Drew Harris of making comments which have done little to diffuse the anger and disillusionment felt by both the member and his family and colleagues.
The Garda Representative Association says the member has gone through hell in the time since the incident, and today should have been about acknowledging the finding of no wrongdoing, not casting doubt over the Garda's reputation.
It adds "again, this garda showed kindness and empathy in the true spirit of proper community policing to help a neighbour in need and he has been punished for this on a personal and professional level.
We believe that instead of making comments which could be interpreted as questioning those findings, the Commissioner should have perhaps conceded that this entire investigation was in part mishandled, escalated and then drawn out beyond normal comprehension.
We once again stand in solidarity with this member and his family and will continue to offer our supports as he resumes his career that he clearly is entitled to do with dignity and respect."
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