Courts / Dublin / Report
Prison officer acquitted of assaulting prisoner at courts complex
Summary
In a 2014 trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, prison officer Thomas Hogg, aged 49, was acquitted of assaulting prisoner Bernard Cawley, aged 46, in the holding cells of the Criminal Courts of Justice on 20 April 2012. Hogg claimed he acted in self‑defence after Cawley had become agitated, kicked the cell door, and allegedly lunged at him. The jury deliberated for two hours and found Hogg not guilty. Judge Patrick McCartan thanked the jury of eight men and four women, noting the prosecution's case that Hogg intentionally assaulted Cawley with a set of keys. Cawley, who had been awaiting transfer to Mountjoy Prison after a four‑month burglary sentence, described being struck on the head and face, and later reported injuries. Hogg had also voluntarily interviewed with Gardaí in January 2013, stating he had struck Cawley in self‑defence but had not used any weapon. The trial concluded with Hogg's acquittal.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Prison officer acquitted of assaulting prisoner at courts complex. Charges or matters: assaulting Bernard Cawley (46) causing him harm on April 20, 2012 at the holding cells in the Courts of Criminal Justice. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- April 20, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 21, 2013 Other
- 2014-11-21 Publication
Why: I started crying and my nerves were worse because I hadn't got a smoke," Mr Cawley said. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: assaulting Bernard Cawley (46) causing him harm on April 20, 2012 at the holding cells in the Courts of Criminal Justice (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: During the trial Mr Cawley said he had been taken to the cells in the basement of the building while awaiting transfer to Mountjoy Prison after receiving a four month prison sentence for burglary.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Mountjoy
- Mountjoy Prison
- for interview at Bridewell Garda Station
Topics
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