Attacks on gardaí becoming 'increasingly prevalent'

Latest incident saw a garda dragged along by a car in DUblin's north inner city

The Garda Representative Association is calling for 'mandatory minimum custodial sentences for any offender convicted of an offence that results in injury to a member of An Garda Síochána in the execution of their duties'. File picture

Garda representatives have warned that attacks on their members are becoming “increasingly prevalent” and urged the Government to introduce minimum sentences for such offences.

It followed an incident on Wednesday when a garda was injured by a motorist in Dublin’s north inner city. 

Just two days earlier, two gardaí were assaulted in the same part of the city.

The incident on Wednesday evening unfolded after a garda flagged down a UK-registered vehicle near Mountjoy Square.

It is understood that gardaí had received reports from the PSNI about a blue UK-registered Audi A6, suspected of ramming a police car in the North earlier this week.

The garda engaged with the driver and, after checking databases, established that there was a live bench warrant for his arrest in Ireland and that there was no current insurance for the car.

He informed the driver that the car was being seized under the relevant legislation. The driver then sped off.

The garda was dragged along by the vehicle before falling off, suffering injuries.

An alert was sent out regarding the vehicle, which was last seen in north county Dublin, suspected of heading for the border.

The PSNI are trying to trace the vehicle’s movements.

In a statement, the Garda Representative Association (GRA) said it "condemns in the strongest possible terms the serious assault on one of our members, who was injured by a driver attempting to evade lawful arrest".

“This latest incident is yet another stark reminder of the increasing dangers faced by gardaí every day while carrying out their duties on behalf of the people of Ireland.

“It is deeply concerning that attacks on members of An Garda Síochána are becoming increasingly prevalent, with offenders demonstrating a blatant disregard for the law and for the safety of those tasked with protecting our communities.

"The association extended its full support to their injured colleague and wishes a full and speedy recovery.

But it said the Government must take action to send “a clear and unequivocal message” that violence against Garda members will not be tolerated.

“The GRA is calling on the Government to introduce mandatory minimum custodial sentences for any offender convicted of an offence that results in injury to a member of An Garda Síochána in the execution of their duties," the statement said.

“Those who deliberately assault or injure gardaí must face meaningful consequences that reflect the seriousness of these offences and serve as a genuine deterrent to others.”