BERTIE: JUSTICE WILL BE DONE.

Byline: SHARON MILLAR

BERTIE Ahern yesterday promised that the two corrupt senior Gardai who framed Frank Shortt would be investigated and brought to justice.

And top ranking Gardai will conduct an inquiry into corrupt Supt Kevin Lennon with a view to possible disciplinary action.

The Taoiseach said it was "regrettable'" that a miscarriage of justice took place.

Speaking from Galway, he said: "Obviously I wish it didn't happen, but it will be fully investigated, fully examined and the people involved will be brought fully to justice."

Mr Ahern said the judgement would not undermine public faith in the Gardai.

He said: "If anything, it shows the Gardai are prepared to fully investigate if anything goes wrong."

The Court of Criminal Appeal ruled that Supt Lennon and Det Garda Noel McMahon lied in court, and invented and concealed vital evidence against nightclub owner Mr Shortt.

And the ruling means Mr Shortt can now claim massive compensation from the State.

Legal sources said yesterday that Mr Shortt could be entitled to claim huge damages because he was maliciously framed, deprived of his liberty and had his constitutional rights deliberately breached.

One source said: "His name was blackened, he was effectively deprived of a fair trial by the invention of some evidence and concealment of other evidence, and he was then deprived of his liberty when jailed.

"He would in my view be entitled to punitive damages. A very high six figure sum would not be unreasonable."

Gardai confirmed in a statement yesterday that senior Gardai will be studying the judgement and action may soon by taken.

It read: "The Commissioner takes a serious view of the content of the judgement, which will be examined by his senior officials as a priority.

"This is a comprehensive judgement and whatever action is required to be taken as a result of the examination will be done without delay."

CAPTION(S):

CORRUPT: McMahon and Lennon