Courts / Dublin / Report

'Unjustifiable': Garda who spear-tackled 'skinny' teenager is jailed

Date
2026-02-03

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Temple Bar

County
Dublin

Summary

Lorcan Murphy, a former garda, was sentenced today at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for two counts of assault causing harm under section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997. Murphy had pleaded not guilty to the charges, but a jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict last July. The incidents occurred on June 1, 2021, involving a 17-year-old victim on Essex Street and subsequently at Pearse Street Garda Station. Judge Pauline Codd described the force used as "unjustifiable" and "excessive," noting the victim sustained a fractured skull and brain contusion. In mitigation, the judge acknowledged Murphy's willingness to engage in restorative justice, though the victim declined to participate. She also accepted his remorse, references to his character, and the fact that he has since completed a law degree. Judge Codd imposed a three-year custodial sentence, with the final two years suspended for two years on strict conditions. The court made no order regarding €10,000 offered by Murphy to the victim, citing concerns about the victim's addiction. The judge emphasized that while Murphy acted recklessly rather than intentionally, his conduct was highly reckless and left his career in tatters.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Unjustifiable': Garda who spear-tackled 'skinny' teenager is jailed. Charges or matters: two counts of assault causing harm under section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

June 1, 2021 Incident
2026-02-03 Publication

Why: Mr Grant told John Gallagher BL, prosecuting, that the matter was referred to GSOC by Superintendent Joe Cannon, of Pearse Street Garda Station, because there was concern that an assault may have taken place and a head injury sustained. CNI source report

Case subjects

Lorcan Murphy

Convicted Person

Charges: two counts of assault causing harm under section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Outcome: Sentencing Lorcan Murphy today, Judge Codd acknowledged that he is willing to engage in restorative justice but noted the victim does not want to wish partake in the programme. She said there was "much to say by way of mitigation" for Murphy but said the case has "met the threshold for custodial sentences".