Garda stabbed in Mayo

bazjnr

Just looking at the news this morning. Garda stabbed in the stomach in Westport last night. Hope s/he is ok. Male in mid teens arrested.

Wonder were they wearing their stab vest??

nayorleck114

bazjnr wrote: »

Just looking at the news this morning. Garda stabbed in the stomach in Westport last night. Hope s/he is ok. Male in mid teens arrested.

Wonder were they wearing their stab vest??

Its westport, I would suppose he was not wearing a vest. Usually things a quiet in Mayo. Its a sad day to see this happen.

TheNog

09/08/2009 - 10:14:22
A Garda was in intensive care today after being stabbed in the stomach while on duty.

The officer underwent emergency surgery in the early hours of today and is described as being in a comfortable condition.

Gardaí said the member was on duty on James Street, Westport, investigating an incident when he was stabbed in the abdomen at about 1am.

He was rushed to Mayo General Hospital by colleagues.

A knife was recovered at the scene and a teenager was arrested.

He is being held at Westport Garda Station under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Acts.

The youth’s period of detention was extended earlier this morning.


Read more: http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/garda-in-intensive-care-after-stabbing-421829.html#ixzz0NgF38I91

Hope the member recovers quickly

jmccoy

Its terrible to hear news like this. I hope that the injured Garda makes a full and uncomplicated recovery and that the perpetrator gets a lot of time at our expense to think of what he has done.

old boy

a least the pc brigade will be unable to make excuses for this piece of schit, or will they, more than likely they will try.

source

sure you know yourself, from a broken family, drink or drug habit he's trying to shake, etc etc etc and whatever you're having yourself, the PC brigade will try to help everybody but the ones who deserve their attention.

meathstevie

When is the talk about sprays and tasers going to stop and the issueing to frontline gardai going to start ? To the injured party : a speedy recovery.

bean na gaeilge

Can't believe it! :eek: Im from the outskirts of Westport - just read the post and Im in shock!! Westport was always considered a safe quiet town.... however the amount of drugs anad violence has increased drastically in the last year or two - but never expected to read about something like this!! Its such a shame - to the injured party 'Get well' ....

Dr_Phil

bazjnr wrote: »

Male in mid teens arrested.

What's the point, he will be released with no charges soon... "Be good and don't do it again son".
Joke.

Sierra Oscar

I hope he makes a full recovery, and justice is served on the offender.

da__flash

i wish a speedy and full recovery to the member. .

cushtac

Dr_Phil wrote: »

What's the point, he will be released with no charges soon... "Be good and don't do it again son".
Joke.

You misunderstand what being released without charge means. It does not mean that the suspect is getting off scott-free. It means that a file must be submitted to the DPP in order for them to determine what charges, if any, are to be brought against them. Once that's decided the suspect is arrested in order to charge them.

ScubaDave

Get well soon!

realismpol

cushtac wrote: »

You misunderstand what being released without charge means. It does not mean that the suspect is getting off scott-free. It means that a file must be submitted to the DPP in order for them to determine what charges, if any, are to be brought against them. Once that's decided the suspect is arrested in order to charge them.

So let me get this straight someone stabs a cop they recover the weapon they have the suspect and the cop presumably knows who stabbed him so they have to send a file to the dpp to determine what charges need to be brought against him??? lol what? what is going on in this country ? That is a level of bureacracy that makes our country look more like a dictatorship then a democracy. Everything must be passed through the supreme leader. So what happened if the cop died do they need to send a file to the dpp to establish 'what charges if any need to be brought against the suspect'? Its a tad obvious isn't it. No wonder things move so slowly in this country.

We are way way behind, lightyears behind other countries in terms of the way our justice system operates. The problem is that issues like this should be deteremined by a local court not elevated to some national justice agency which decides everything from greedy landowner issues to cops getting shot and stabbed. Its a joke. Every time i hear 'a file is being sent to the dpp' i cringe because that means 'nothing will be done'. The way this should work is this guy should be in court next week on charges of attempted capital manslaughter and charged appropriately. That's the way it works in most countries. In the mean time he should be sitting in a prison cell. Simple as that.

no wonder people are so angry that suspects are out committing murder when on bail etc when you have a justice system which operates on a level on par with scooby doo mysteries... 'Bah ...and i would have got away with it too if it wasn't for that pesky dpp'

bazjnr

meathstevie wrote: »

When is the talk about sprays and tasers going to stop and the issueing to frontline gardai going to start ? To the injured party : a speedy recovery.

Firstly I too wish the guard a speedy recovery and hope the gouger that did it to him gets what he deserves(but i won't hold my breath on that given our justice system of late).

Leaving the Westport incident aside as the full facts are not known publically yet, I believe calling for sprays and tasers are all well and good and should be on issue but what about the equipment already on issue by that I mean the stab vest?

The GRA fought long and hard to get stab vests and the public were appalled that we didn't have them. But every day I see members not wearing stab vests either because they say they are not comfortable or they work in a small town where nothing happens or are just too lazy to put it on.

This unfortunate incident just highlights that knife crime can occur ANYWHERE not just in cities and perceived high risk areas. When you go to work you just don't know what is going to happen during those 8 hours. The stab vest is issued PPE and MUST be worn and it is neglect of duty not to wear it.

Hopefully this incident, whatever the circumstances are behind it, will make members think twice and think about themselves, their wives, husbands and families and put the damn thing on. I would rather wear an uncomfortable vest than an uncomfortable knife.

Apologies for the rant!!

cushtac

realismpol wrote: »

So let me get this straight someone stabs a cop they recover the weapon they have the suspect and the cop presumably knows who stabbed him so they have to send a file to the dpp to determine what charges need to be brought against him??? lol what? what is going on in this country ?

They have to decide if he'll be charged with Assault; Assault Causing Harm; Assault Causing Serious Harm; Assault on a Peace Officer or even Attempted Murder. It's not as straight forward as you seem to think.

realismpol wrote: »

That is a level of bureacracy that makes our country look more like a dictatorship then a democracy. Everything must be passed through the supreme leader.

Sending a file to the DPP ensures that each serious case is reviewed independently and any charges put forward have the correct basis in law. How is observing due process a sign of dictatorship?

realismpol wrote: »

So what happened if the cop died do they need to send a file to the dpp to establish 'what charges if any need to be brought against the suspect'? Its a tad obvious isn't it. No wonder things move so slowly in this country.

Yes a file would still have to be sent, the courts would demand it.

realismpol wrote: »

We are way way behind, lightyears behind other countries in terms of the way our justice system operates. The problem is that issues like this should be deteremined by a local court not elevated to some national justice agency which decides everything from greedy landowner issues to cops getting shot and stabbed.

And would you have the same court that decides on a charge then rule on the person's guilt in the trial? Courts determine innocence or guilt & hand down ruilings, they should not determine what charges be put forward.

realismpol wrote: »

Its a joke. Every time i hear 'a file is being sent to the dpp' i cringe because that means 'nothing will be done'.

It means nothing of the sort.

realismpol wrote: »

The way this should work is this guy should be in court next week on charges of attempted capital manslaughter and charged appropriately. That's the way it works in most countries. In the mean time he should be sitting in a prison cell. Simple as that.

Who would decide on the charge? On what basis would you deprive an innocent man, as he is innocent until proven otherwise in court, of his constitutional right to freedom?

Depriving someone of their liberty is a big deal and is not to be done lightly.

realismpol wrote: »

no wonder people are so angry that suspects are out committing murder when on bail etc when you have a justice system which operates on a level on par with scooby doo mysteries... 'Bah ...and i would have got away with it too if it wasn't for that pesky dpp'

Come back when you have a clue, rather than ill-informed waffle.

cushtac

bazjnr wrote: »

The stab vest is issued PPE and MUST be worn and it is neglect of duty not to wear it.

There's nothing in the code to say the vest must be worn and it is not a 'neglect of duty' to leave it off.

First off, get well soon to the injured Garda.

Now, as for the stab vest. Nobody on here knows if the injured garda was wearing one or not. Even if he was wearing one they do not offer full protection. Look at this pic and see how far down it comes. Obviously this leaves room for a knife to go up and under which could easliy happen in a struggle. And until this goes to court we are not going to know exactly what happened so leave the speculation out.

When people are released pending a file to the DPP this is because in a lot of cases there may a range of charges to be considered. The arrested person may not have made any admissions while in custody and they have to wait for forensic evidence to come back. This works the same way in the UK. In some other European Countries the investigations are led by Investigative Judges, not the police. They instruct the police how to procede and can apply to hold a suspect in custody. Just look at the case during the week involving an irish criminal in holland. Over here the Gardai investigate and if there is enough evidence then a person will be charged, brought before the court, have bail objected to and then it is up to the judge to decide is bail is issued or not. If it is then it will come with conditions. Break them and expect to be back before the judge.

mal1

realismpol - I don't think that you should be saying that the Irish justice system is light years behind other countries when it's clearly evident from your post that you don't fully understand the role of the DPP.

Have a good look:

http://www.dppireland.ie/questions_and_answers/

Others posters should also refrain from posting wildly general statements in relation to the duties of the garda involved. Nobody here knows the details of what happened last night.

I hope the garda recovers fully and quickly. Fingers crossed

Dr_Phil

cushtac wrote: »

You misunderstand what being released without charge means.

Possibly. I also don't understand why so many decent people have to rot 6 feet under while the murderes walk around and lauch, just because they are a teen scumbags supported by a local community. That is what I really don't understand.

Dr_Phil

Dr_Phil wrote: »

What's the point, he will be released with no charges soon... "Be good and don't do it again son".
Joke.

Charged to court tomorrow. Hope your happy with our speedy system now.

Dr_Phil

foreign wrote: »

Charged to court tomorrow. Hope your happy with our speedy system now.

It's not about it's speed, but it's indulgence in vast majority of cases.

Hopefully this "charming young man" rots in jail.

Boston

bazjnr wrote: »

Firstly I too wish the guard a speedy recovery and hope the gouger that did it to him gets what he deserves(but i won't hold my breath on that given our justice system of late).

Leaving the Westport incident aside as the full facts are not known publically yet, I believe calling for sprays and tasers are all well and good and should be on issue but what about the equipment already on issue by that I mean the stab vest?

The GRA fought long and hard to get stab vests and the public were appalled that we didn't have them. But every day I see members not wearing stab vests either because they say they are not comfortable or they work in a small town where nothing happens or are just too lazy to put it on.

This unfortunate incident just highlights that knife crime can occur ANYWHERE not just in cities and perceived high risk areas. When you go to work you just don't know what is going to happen during those 8 hours. The stab vest is issued PPE and MUST be worn and it is neglect of duty not to wear it.

Hopefully this incident, whatever the circumstances are behind it, will make members think twice and think about themselves, their wives, husbands and families and put the damn thing on. I would rather wear an uncomfortable vest than an uncomfortable knife.

Apologies for the rant!!

It's a mistake to assume a stab vest will stop you getting stabbed, or that just because some was stabbed that he wasn't wearing one.

bazjnr

cushtac wrote: »

There's nothing in the code to say the vest must be worn and it is not a 'neglect of duty' to leave it off.

HQ circular last year- update your code

TriciaDelicia

Was on the bus today heard 2 skaggers talking about it, was truly aghast at what they were saying. Poor bloke was only doing his job and here's these scumbags laughing and joking about it. Really disgusted.

Hope he gets well soon.

BrandonFlowers

Wearing a stab vest is indeed now in the garda code and was actually probably one of the first thing i was told as a phase one student last year, WEAR YOUR STAB VEST!!!!

thats not to say this member wasn't wearing one as has already been discussed on this thread.

on the pepper spray front, all frontline members are apparently (and i use that term in its loosest possible sense) going to be equipped with it by christmas and indeed, there was a course on it in the college two weeks ago in which instructors from every division were being trained in how to train the rest of us(which i witnessed). looks pretty good.

lastly, a speedy recovery to the member and hope everyone else who hears this story decides to take extra care on duty.

bazjnr

foreign wrote: »

Now, as for the stab vest. Nobody on here knows if the injured garda was wearing one or not. .

Obviously you guys didn't bother to read my post correctly. i deliberately said i wasn't talking about the Westport incident. i don't know if he was wearing a vest or not.

Boston wrote: »

It's a mistake to assume a stab vest will stop you getting stabbed, or that just because some was stabbed that he wasn't wearing one.

i was speaking about the many members i see go out to work everyday NOT wearing one. and i know a vest doesn't offer 100% guaranteed protection from being stabbed i never made that assumption. but a stab vest certainly offers more protection than a cotton shirt.

Trojan911

bazjnr wrote: »

The stab vest is issued PPE and MUST be worn and it is neglect of duty not to wear it.

OP,

Not sure on the Musts, but you are right in the sense that it does give added protection to the major organs front & back. It is in the interests of all law enforcement agencies to wear this vest irrespective of where an officer is posted, be it sleepy hollow or a big bad city.

Putting this officers case aside, as I don't know the full facts and he may well have been wearing protection and a speedy recovery to him.

However,

If an officer is injured in the course of his/her duties and it is found after that no protection was worn when it was readily available then, no doubt, it will/may hinder recovery thus having an officer off sick longer than he/she may have to be had they been wearing this protection and also reduce any financial claim that may follow.

I always wore mine in London and considered those who didn't as negligent.

They are issued for a reason.

TriciaDelicia

http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/teenager-charged-over-garda-stabbing-421917.html

DubMedic

Scumbag, there should be a zero tolerance rule for attacks on members of the Emergency Services.

Get well soon Garda.

.

Whippo

There are a lot of posts here with regards to law this and law that. Whatever the outcome is, no person other than no person has the right to stab another person. Its a fundamental human right to be able to enjoy the country of Ireland free from all intimidation and harassment.

If this youth gets away scott free it will really show the true face of the Irish judicial system. Come on Aherne, get the finger out, stop adding up expense receipts, do something proactive for your country...

the locust

cushtac wrote: »

There's nothing in the code to say the vest must be worn and it is not a 'neglect of duty' to leave it off.

As mentioned i think that code has been updated in recent years, and there is a directive from the a/commissioner of AGS telling you to wear it operationally or its negligence...

On a side note, the vests by and large dont seem to cover the lower abdomen / stomach area (the non vitals) - anyone notice that?

Sierra Oscar

Wont mention any names, but reading the Bebo page of the offender I am not surprised at all he would attack a member on duty.:mad:

Mike...

Sierra Oscar wrote: »

Wont mention any names, but reading the Bebo page of the offender I am not surprised at all he would attack a member on duty.:mad:

Must see can I get a few covies to give me the name am sure it makes interesting reading

Bosco boy

hope the gaurd makes a full recovery and the culprit gets what he deserves, someone said in an earlier post that there was no need for gaurds in the country to wear stab vests - get real - this **** goes on in evey small town in the country and it could happen anywhere, difference being the gardai in small towns have no backup like the guys in the city and are often more at risk as a result, again best wishes to the injured Garda

brianrcarney

Don't care what the circumstances - anyone attacks a guard deserves the harshest punishment, the sh1t they put up with even from every day people disgruntled by the way this country has gone is hard, anyone attacking a guard is a scumbag, who is the first person they would look to if their family were attacked, robbed etc... ZERO TOLERANCE with this


Rant over..

Shield

I also want to personally wish the Garda a speed and full recovery. Many of my colleagues are assaulted and it's never just a physical injury. There'll be a mental element that he'll need to overcome when he returns to full active duty.

Get well soon.

brianrcarney

Here here, speedy recovery...

Geri Boyle

Best Wishes and a speedy recovery to the Garda involved. These threads are becoming all to frequent on here Particularly attacks by youths who will probably by and large get away with it due to their age. :mad:

bernardo mac

DubMedic wrote: »

Scumbag, there should be a zero tolerance rule for attacks on members of the Emergency Services.

Get well soon Garda.

.

Indeed,and best wishes to all on frontline duty throughout the country. I hope the charge and court verdict reflect the gravity of the crime. Such assailants and anti social types, including the so called Cavan chav gang must learn that with freedom there are responsibilities, rules and boundaries you do not break and cross.:mad:

donvito99

Just goes to show that Ireland´s countryside isn´t as cuddly and cosy as it once was. Every Garda in the country whether they be working in Limerick or Connemara has the possibilities of being seriously injured in the back of their mind.

Again I hate to say, this but hopefully this will wake up Garda managment and get the right kit, resources and people to stop this from happening again.

Hope he gets well soon and is back in Westport patroling the streets in no time.

donvito99

Sierra Oscar wrote: »

Wont mention any names, but reading the Bebo page of the offender I am not surprised at all he would attack a member on duty.:mad:

Mike... wrote: »

Must see can I get a few covies to give me the name am sure it makes interesting reading

cushtac

People are also overlooking the possibility that the Garda was in plain clothes.

santosubito

cushtac wrote: »

People are also overlooking the possibility that the Garda was in plain clothes.

Yes. So it's unlikely he had a ballistic vest on him, isn't it?

cushtac

santosubito wrote: »

Yes. So it's unlikely he had a ballistic vest on him, isn't it?

If he was in plain clothes it is less likely that he was wearing the vest as it's not particularly suited to covert use.

the locust

Plain clothes or uniformed you are required by code and directive to wear your vest if you are operational and that is clearly stated. Some do a lot don't. The beauty of the vest Gardai are issued is that its thin enough to be worn under plain clothes. Its just the hassle of using it with the heat and taking it on/off.
I wish the Garda a speedy recovery and hope the culprit as mentioned gets all he deserves

nitromaster

*SNIP*

the locust

the locust wrote: »

The beauty of the vest Gardai are issued is that its thin enough to be worn under plain clothes. Its just the hassle of using it with the heat and taking it on/off.

If you wear baggy american football style clothing. Try put a t-shirt on over it, or a normal jumper. The only time I have ever worn the vest on plain cloths was under a hoody or over my t-shirt at a public order incident.

cashville

The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Mullingar District Court this morning charged with assault causing harm.


'Assault causing harm'.....anyone know how serious a charge this is? Doesn't sound like they're throwing the book at him.

Hooch

Folks,
This is an active investigation so please, no comments about the suspect and his background.
Thanks

santosubito

well, it's up to five years on indictment:

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1997/en/act/pub/0026/sec0003.html#zza26y1997s3

There is serious harm, which is up to life:

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1997/en/act/pub/0026/sec0004.html#zza26y1997s4