Garda attacked man in Santa hat

A garda has been found guilty of attacking a drunk man in a Santa hat during an arrest in Dublin City centre.

Garda Donal O’Neill, aged 31, who is based at Pearse Street station in Dublin, had denied assaulting Tim Dowling, 29, at Pearse St in the early hours of December 16, 2012.

CCTV footage of the 12-second incident showing Mr Dowling, who was wearing a Santa hat, being shouldered and brought to the ground and kicked was viewed by Judge Ann Ryan at Dublin District Court.