Courts / Dublin / Report

Prison Officer goes on trial charged with assaulting prisoner in courts building

Summary

In November 2014, Thomas Hogg, a 49‑year‑old prison officer from West Dublin, stood trial for assaulting Bernard Cawley, a 46‑year‑old convicted sex offender, in the holding cells of the Criminal Courts of Justice. The incident occurred on 20 April 2012, when Cawley, who had recently received a four‑month sentence for burglary, was awaiting transfer to Mountjoy Prison. Hogg claimed he struck Cawley in self‑defence after the prisoner, who had repeatedly pressed the cell buzzer and knocked on the door, raised his fist as Hogg opened the hatch. Cawley testified that he was agitated, had no cigarettes, and that Hogg had used keys as a weapon, striking him on the head and face and causing him to fall. Cawley was handcuffed and later moved to a hall for Gardaí. He denied being a violent man, citing his 16‑year‑old daughter, and rejected allegations of heroin use that day. Thomas Hogg pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Prison Officer goes on trial charged with assaulting prisoner in courts building. Charges or matters: assaulting Bernard Cawley (46) causing him harm on April 20, 2012. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• April 20, 2012 Incident
• 2014-11-20 Publication

Why: Mr Cawley told the jury that while in the cell he pressed the buzzer because he wanted a cigarette. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Burglary Drugs Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report