€24k for garda who was kicked and punched

A garda who was pushed, punched, and kicked by a man in custody has been awarded €24,000 compensation in the High Court.

Aisling Connor, aged 37, told a Garda compensation hearing that on the night of Apr 27, 2007, she was member in charge for people in custody in Ashbourne Garda Station, Co Meath, when a “very aggressive and abusive” man was brought in by one of her colleagues.

Garda Connor, of Highmeadows, Duleek, Co Louth, told counsel Conor Kearney that as she and two colleagues were escorting him to his cell, he tried to headbutt her in the face.

Ms Justice Mary Irvine heard that the man became “extremely violent”, pushed Garda Connor against a wall and was punching and kicking, striking the three gardaí.

The man, who was eventually handcuffed and placed in the cell, was later charged and released.

Garda Connor, who received kicks to her shins and calves, said her left elbow was injured when she was pushed against the wall.

She had attended her GP two days later and X-rays revealed no fracture.

Mr Kearney said Garda Connor sustained soft tissue injuries to her legs and a nerve injury to her elbow. She had received physiotherapy and had been out of work for several weeks.

The court heard that Garda Connor was experiencing numbness along with pins and needles in her left hand when she flexed her elbow. She also had to give up playing basketball.

Ms Justice Irvine awarded her €24,000 compensation.