Peter Maguire, 41, was diagnosed with Barrett's disease, a condition of chronic heartburn and reflux which can make the person more susceptible to oesophageal cancer.

JUSTICE Minister Brendan Smith is being urged to intervene in a worsening public row between the biggest Garda staff association and the state’s Garda watchdog.

The alleged victim of a garda beating had around 30 previous convictions including a four-year jail term for grievous bodily harm, a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court jury has heard.

A garda “whipped” and “pounded” a man with his baton while he was on the ground, it has been alleged at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.