Garda Convicted of Assaulting Teenager in Dublin's Temple Bar

Four years ago, in June 2021, a garda named Lorcan Murphy was convicted of assaulting a 17-year-old in Dublin's Temple Bar. The incident occurred on June 1, 2021, and the complainant suffered a fractured skull and brain contusion as a result.

After a trial at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, the jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts on two counts of assault causing harm under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997. The court heard that the complainant had no recollection of the events due to his head injury, but CCTV footage and witness testimonies were presented as evidence.

Witnesses described seeing the garda, Lorcan Murphy, "spear tackle" the complainant, who then went "limp and lifeless" after hitting the ground. The prosecution argued that the level of force used was excessive and inherently dangerous, leading to the complainant's injuries.

The matter has been adjourned for sentencing until November 3rd, and the court is preparing a probation report and a victim impact statement. The complainant, who has a criminal record, stated that he is a respectful person who is paying for his past mistakes.