Courts / Dublin / Report
Garda's eardrum perforated after violent lockdown protestor threw firework
Summary
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Jake Merriman, aged 31, was sentenced to 20 months in prison for endangering a garda during an anti‑lockdown protest on Grafton Street on 27 February 2021. Merriman threw a firework, which was lit by a juvenile, into the crowd, perforating Garda Mark Walsh's right eardrum. He also punched a garda in the face and kicked another in the testicles. The court noted Merriman's violent conduct and his admission that he had been drinking the night before and intended only to cause a disturbance. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a custodial sentence, acknowledging Merriman's remorse and his payment of €10,000 as a token of regret. The garda's hearing has since recovered, though he suffered temporary loss of hearing. The case highlighted the serious impact of Merriman's actions on the garda and the protest environment.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Garda's eardrum perforated after violent lockdown protestor threw firework. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- February 27, 2021 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2022-10-11 Publication
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Grafton Street
- Meadowslands Avenue
Topics
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