Gary Gibson jailed for assaulting RTÉ broadcaster

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Judge Melanie Greally sentenced Gary Gibson to two and a half years in prison, with the final 12 months suspended, at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 18 December 2019. The proceedings were reported on 18 December 2019.

Gibson pleaded guilty to assaulting retired RTÉ broadcaster Cathal Mac Coille, attempted theft and possession of a Stanley knife. The assault and attempted theft took place on Phibsborough Road, Dublin, on 3 July 2018; the knife possession offence took place at Mountjoy garda station, Dublin, on the same date.

The report said Gibson had been trying to steal a bicycle when its owner confronted him and shouted for help. Mac Coille intervened and was hit over the head with a bolt cutter. Gibson said his recollection was “hazy” and claimed any assaults resulted from him defending himself against those who intervened.

Garda Aileen Deely said Gibson ran off when another man became involved. He jumped into a canal to evade capture and spent 10 minutes in the water before getting out. Gardaí found the Stanley knife when they searched him; Gibson said he had it to help him steal a bicycle. Deely agreed with defence counsel Luigi Rea that the blade had not been used.

Rea told the court that Gibson had taken a number of tablets on the day. Judge Greally said she could have considered a wholly suspended sentence only if Gibson was drug free, but inferred that he was not because urine sample results had not been provided to the court.