The head of the garda watchdog has admitted that their record for prosecuting vexatious complaints is appalling.

26 files have been sent to the DPP for false complaints about gardai, but 15 of these were returned with no prosecution.

Of the 11 cases that went to court, just six people were convicted.

Judge Mary Ellen Ring says it’s very difficult to prove, similar to perjury in the courts.

In addition, the Garda Ombudsman is considering returning to a system whereby complaints are only accepted in writing, rather than online, to cut down on false or vexatious complaints.