Courts / Wexford / Report
Jury deadlocked in case of former garda who claimed he was wrongfully struck with baton
Summary
A jury deadlocked in a High Court case brought by former Garda John Bowe, aged 41, who alleged he was wrongfully struck by a 6'8″ Garda with a baton after a high‑speed pursuit outside Bunclody, Co. Wexford, on 5 December 2014. Bowe, who had been convicted of dangerous driving following the chase, claimed the baton strike by Superintendent Rory Sheriff caused injuries and a diagnosis of functional neurological disorder. Sheriff maintained the strike was proportionate and justified, citing a 25‑minute chase at speeds over 140 kph and an alleged attempt by Bowe to attack him with a metallic object that turned out to be keys with bottle openers. The case also named the Garda Commissioner, the Attorney General and Ireland.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jury deadlocked in case of former garda who claimed he was wrongfully struck with baton. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- December 5, 2014 Incident
- 2025-11-14 Publication
Case subjects
Applicant
Outcome: At the High Court tonight, Mr Justice O'Higgins adjourned the matter to the next list to fix dates and said the jury process, even if it finished in deadlock, was as important as if it resulted in a unanimous or majority verdict for either side.
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