€68k for garda who had gun aimed at him

A detective garda, who showed "incredible bravery" after he had a loaded gun pointed at him during a Crumlin bank robbery eight-and-a-half years ago, has been awarded almost €70,000 damages in the High Court.

Mr Justice Bernard Barton said Garda Robert Reilly had acted with courage during a frightening experience as he went on with his duty and confronted two heavily disguised armed robbers leaving the bank.

Judge Barton said that on June 3, 2006, Garda Reilly answered a radio call for assistance after a member of the public reported that a bank robbery was taking place at the AIB branch in Crumlin.

The judge said during a Garda compensation hearing that Garda Reilly, followed the robbers, Darren Hamill and John Foy, to a nearby carpark as they attempted to escape.

Garda Reilly, who was armed, had stopped a couple of metres away from their car and had requested them to drop their guns. The man in the passenger’s seat had got out and threatened to shoot Garda Reilly.

The judge said Garda Reilly, who believed his life was at risk, dived for cover and discharged a shot. Reinforcement soon arrived and the men were eventually taken into custody and later arrested.

Judge Barton said Garda Reilly had been promoted this year and is hoping to become an inspector in the coming years. He awarded him €68,636 damages.