Courts / Wexford / Report

Jury finds Det Supt used reasonable force when striking fleeing ex Garda with baton after 'extreme' high-speed chase

Summary

A jury has found that Detective Superintendent Rory Sheriff used reasonable force when striking a former Garda, John Bowe, with a baton during an 'extreme' high-speed car chase in rural Wexford in 2014. The civil trial jury agreed that Sheriff's actions were proportionate and justified following what he described as the most 'extreme and dangerous driving' he had ever witnessed. Bowe was arrested after a 20-minute chase that hit speeds in excess of 140kph. Sheriff testified that Bowe turned back with a 'metallic object' in his hand and lunged at him, prompting him to strike Bowe over the head with a baton. Bowe claimed he sustained injuries and was diagnosed with 'functional neurological disorder', but the claim was denied. Sheriff's legal team argued that it was 'miraculous' that no one was killed during the chase. The court awarded costs to Sheriff's legal team for both trials, pending any appeal.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury finds Det Supt used reasonable force when striking fleeing ex Garda with baton after 'extreme' high-speed chase. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• December 5, 2014 Incident
• 2026-02-06 Publication

Places mentioned

Topics

Road Traffic Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report