Courts / Dublin / Report

Sex offender jailed for assaulting garda

Summary

A 33‑year‑old convicted sex offender was sentenced to two years and four months in prison for assaulting Garda Barry Purcell, who was assisting social workers in removing the offender's baby from his care. The offender, who has 23 prior convictions, was found guilty by a jury of assault causing harm on 16 June 2016 and does not accept the verdict. Judge Karen O'Connor cited aggravating factors, including the psychological damage to the Garda, and noted the offender's pattern of disregard for the law. The sentence was back‑dated to account for five months the offender had already spent in custody for a separate sexual assault conviction. Garda Purcell suffered swelling and bruising to his hand and forearm, and the incident affected his future interactions with the public. The offender claimed he was provoked by racial abuse during the confrontation. The case was heard in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Sex offender jailed for assaulting garda. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted

When:

• June 16, 2016 Incident
• 2019-12-06 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Sexual Offences Stage Sentence Violent Crime

Related court reports

• Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
• Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
• Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
• 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
• Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
• 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'

Read the original CNI report