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Suspended sentence for garda who assaulted RTE cameraman
Summary
In a 2020 hearing, Judge Melanie Greally sentenced Garda Sean Lucey, 42, to a fully suspended one‑year prison term for assaulting RTÉ cameraman Colm Hand during anti‑racism protests in Dublin in February 2016. Lucey struck Hand's camera with his baton and then hit him in the groin, causing significant bruising and pain. Hand's victim impact statement described sleeplessness, worry and stress, noting the incident shattered his confidence. Judge Greally rejected Lucey's claim that the assault was an error of judgement, stating his regret fell short of an apology and that a donation to a charity was an unsuitable gesture of remorse. She cited Lucey's clean record and lack of prior offences, viewing the act as an aberration, and therefore suspended the sentence. The conviction was for assault causing harm; Lucey was acquitted of criminal damage. The case highlighted the need for restraint and self‑control in public order situations. Sean Lucey pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Suspended sentence for garda who assaulted RTE cameraman. Charges or matters: one count of assault causing harm to Mr Hand at Cathedral Street, Dublin city centre on February 6, 2016 and to damaging his camera. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- February 2016 Incident
- February 6, 2016 Incident
- 2020-03-06 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: one count of assault causing harm to Mr Hand at Cathedral Street, Dublin city centre on February 6, 2016 and to damaging his camera (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: Mr Dwyer had asked the court to consider Section 100 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, in which a fine can be imposed and a sentence deferred to a later date. The court can order certain conditions to be met and if this is complied with the deferred sentence is not imposed.
Places mentioned
- Dublin city
- Sundrive Road
- Cathedral Street
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Cathedral street
Topics
Public Order Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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