Garda who sued State for €310k loss of earnings awarded €42k

Judge Twomey said the loss of earnings figure had been claimed on the basis that the incident in which his little finger had been broken had led to him becoming depressed and being forced to retire from the force.

A garda, whose right little finger was broken by a person being deported, quit the guards 10 years early because of depression arising from the incident and sued the State for €310,893 loss of earnings.

He also claimed damages for personal injuries related to the physical injury to his finger almost 20 years ago, Mr Justice Michael Twomey said in a High Court garda compensation ruling.