Ex-garda awarded almost €200k over injuries

A former garda, who “reluctantly retired” from the force because of physical and psychological injuries he suffered after being “viciously” assaulted on duty, has been awarded almost €200,000 damages in the High Court.

Mr Justice Bernard Barton said Peter Maguire, aged 58, was on duty in a patrol car with a colleague in September 2005 at Owenabue Car Park, Carrigaline, Co Cork, when he noticed a man roaring, shouting, and making abusive gestures at them.

The judge said Mr Maguire, who sued the minister for finance under a Garda compensation claim, decided to arrest the man for public order offences, but he resisted his arrest and violently assaulted both officers.