Garda’s assault charge is struck out

A judge has struck out a case of assault against a garda, saying he would be a loss to the community if he was taken off the force.

Garda Ian Oates admitted assaulting a man on a night out in Co Donegal.

However, the court also heard Garda Oates had been an exemplary garda, had saved a woman from drowning, and stopped a serious sexual assault.