Garda jailed for Cork city assault

A garda has been jailed for six months after he admitted knocking a man unconscious during a row in Cork city while he was off duty.

Dean Foley, aged 25, who was stationed in Bantry at the time, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Stephen Murphy on the Grand Parade in Cork on September 12, 2009.

The case against Foley - who is currently suspended from the force - was investigated by the Garda Ombudsman Commission.

Cork Circuit Criminal Court heard that Mr Murphy suffered a broken nose, fractures to his cheekbones, broken teeth and bleeding to the brain in the late-night assault.

Foley told the court that one moment of madness had cost him his career with the Gardaí, and he deeply regretted his actions and the injuries he caused Mr Murphy.

He received an 18-month jail sentence with the final 12 months suspended.