Courts / Dublin / Report
Grandfather caused severe damage to garda's shoulder by trying to pull him over wall
Summary
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Thomas Knox, 64, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Garda Shane Buckley and to criminal damage after a dispute with his neighbour. The incident began when Knox, highly intoxicated, pulled down part of his neighbour's back‑garden fence and then assaulted the garda who was called to the scene. During the confrontation, Knox grabbed Buckley's arm and attempted to pull him over a shoulder‑high wall, causing Buckley to suffer a significant tear to his shoulder cartilage that required surgery, a sling for four weeks, and extensive physiotherapy. Buckley reported the assault as traumatising and frightening, noting ongoing mental‑health leave. Knox, who has three prior drink‑driving convictions and has been on disability benefit for 17 years, was adjourned for three months to work with Probation Services on his alcohol issues, with sentencing scheduled for March 20 next year.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Grandfather caused severe damage to garda's shoulder by trying to pull him over wall. Charges or matters: assault causing harm to Garda Shane Buckley and to criminal damage on May 13, 2014. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- May 13, 2014 Incident
- March 20 Incident
- 2016-12-12 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: assault causing harm to Garda Shane Buckley and to criminal damage on May 13, 2014 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He will be sentenced on March 20 next year.; Judge Pauline Codd adjourned the matter for three months to allow Knox to work with Probation Services and address his alcohol issues.
Places mentioned
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