HOLY GRAIL!

GIBRALTAR’S former police chief has been accused of ‘sexual assault’ in a case described as ‘a fit up’.

Ian McGrail - who is subject of a big political public inquiry - has been charged with the attack on a policewoman in 2018.

In a remarkable level of support, 25 friends and relatives arrived to back him when he attended Gibraltar court on Friday. One told the Olive Press: “It has raised a lot of eyebrows. It is so unlike him. There is a lot of debate about how and why this has all suddenly come together.”

McGrail, 56, who retired early from the force in June 2020, two years into his four-year term, was arrested at his home at 7am on Thursday. It comes a year after a public inquiry was launched over claims that he was unfairly

Controversy and debate after Gibraltar’s ex-police chief McGrail is charged with sexual assault

By John Culatto

‘pressured to resign’.

The former Commissioner will now stand trial for the alleged assault which is believed to have occurred at New Mole Police Station.

Timing

Described as ‘low grade’ and ‘innocuous’ by Olive Press legal sources, his friends question the timing of the claims.

“Many people believe he has been smeared,” said one, who asked not to be named.

“There is a general view there is nothing in it and the fact that so many family members

Easter death rise

A TOTAL of 34 people died in traffic accidents this Easter in Spain.

This is seven more than the 2022 period and the largest number over the last eight years.

The two most deadly accidents were in the Galician province of Lugo, where four young people died, and in Cantabria another crash saw three people lose their lives.

So far this year, there have been a total of 231 fatal accidents in which 258 people have died.

have turned up clearly shows that.”

The senior investigating officer announcing the charge is former detective chief superintendent John McVea, who is already leading a separate investigation into McGrail’s general conduct.

Two weeks ago, McVea ordered the arrest of McGrail on suspicion of misconduct in public office, conspiracy to obtain unauthorised access to computer material, and unlawful obtaining of personal data. Police released him after 10 hours in custody with his lawyer later claiming it was he who had actually ‘uncovered the data breach’. McVea, who himself recently retired from the force after 33 years, has returned to the Rock with a team of Northern Irish and Welsh officers on March 22.

Current Commissioner Richard Ullger said the investigation would be independent and transparent.

Chief Minister Fabian Picardo had finally ordered an inquiry into McGrail’s retirement in February last year.

At a preliminary hearing, McGrail’s lawyer Caoilf-