Jail for thief who assaulted RTÉ broadcaster Cathal Mac Coille

Father-of-four Gary Gibson, 28, had been trying to steal a bicycle when the owner confronted him and shouted loudly for help. Cathal Mac Coille intervened and was hit over the head.

A bike thief who jumped into the canal to evade capture after assaulting retired RTÉ broadcaster Cathal Mac Coille with a bolt cutter has been jailed for one and a half years.

Father-of-four Gary Gibson, 28, had been trying to steal a bicycle when the owner confronted him and shouted loudly for help. Mr Mac Coille, who was passing by, intervened and was hit over the head with a bolt cutter.