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Two ex-gardaí jailed over Waterford assault

  • 07-11-2011 05:00PM
    #1
    BaronVon
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 1,652 ✭✭✭


    http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1107/holnessa.html

    Two former gardaí have received jail terms and a third has been given a suspended sentence in connection with an assault on a 38-year-old man in Waterford in 2010.

    Two former gardaí have been given prison sentences following an assault on a man in Waterford in 2010.
    They were convicted in connection with an assault on 38-year-old Anthony Holness in the early hours of 29 January 2010.

    Daniel Hickey was given a three year sentence with 18 months suspended for assault causing harm to Mr Holness.

    John Burke, who was operating the CCTV cameras at the station control room where the assault took place, has been given a two year sentence with 12 months suspended.

    A third garda, Sergeant Martha McEnery, was given a four month suspended sentence.

    Sentencing was handed down by Judge Leonie Reynolds at Waterford Circuit court this afternoon.


«13

Comments

  • #2
    Dotrel
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,980 ✭✭✭Dotrel


    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=75313699


  • #3
    francis1978
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 92 ✭✭francis1978


    I've noticed that in the past few weeks there were one or two other cases involving 'ex guards'. Do other posters think it is fair that they should be allowed to be sacked/resign ? Surely the fact that they are no longer employed is a sign of guilt, are there in-house disciplinary procedures such as the army's court martial or similar? Are they removed from there jobs to avoid headlines such as "Guards assault man" ?


  • #4
    mathie
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,103 ✭✭✭mathie


    francis1978 wrote: »
    Surely the fact that they are no longer employed is a sign of guilt?

    :confused:

    I used to work in Crazy Prices years ago.
    I don't any more.
    Does that mean I'm guilty of pretending a large packet of Penguins were opened and "shop-soiled" and going into the back room and gorging myself silly?

    Actually yes it probably does.


  • #5
    Dotrel
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,980 ✭✭✭Dotrel


    In fairness when one sees a packet of Penguins you are in all likelihood going to do something like that.


  • #6
    Peetrik
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,672 ✭✭✭Peetrik


    francis1978 wrote: »
    I've noticed that in the past few weeks there were one or two other cases involving 'ex guards'. Do other posters think it is fair that they should be allowed to be sacked/resign ?

    They should be sacked and have the book thrown at them. They are the ones ment to be protecting the public.


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  • #7
    Dymo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,570 ✭✭✭Dymo


    They attacked him knowing that they would get away with it because they were members of the Gardai, and the guy who moved the CCTV camera knew what was happening was wrong but decided to turn a blind eye to it.

    Hope its a lesson for other want to be Robocops.


  • #8
    seamus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 68,173 ✭✭✭✭seamus


    francis1978 wrote: »
    I've noticed that in the past few weeks there were one or two other cases involving 'ex guards'. Do other posters think it is fair that they should be allowed to be sacked/resign ?
    What difference does it make? If they're found guilty, they're finished in the Gardai. If they're found not guilty, but know themselves that they were entirely out of line, then their career is effectively finished.
    If they're completely innocent, they'll stay put.

    The courts won't go easier on them because they've left the Gardai. The court will take into account the fact that they were Gardai at the time of the assault and punish them accordingly.

    When you consider the kind of lenient sentences that your average scummer gets for equally serious assaults, I'd say these guys got fairly harsh sentences relatively speaking.

    I'm particularly glad at the harsh sentence the CCTV operator got. It's one thing being the dirty Garda dishing out the beating - a scummer's a scummer in a any group - but a lot of otherwise ordinary Gardai might consider looking the other way or put their fingers in their ears when this kind of thing happens.


  • #9
    Ellis Dee
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,510 ✭✭✭Ellis Dee


    Although the sentences seem very lenient for such a vicious assault, and the fact that a serious attempt was made to pervert the course of justice, their conviction is a welcome sign that Gardai are no longer quite as above the law as has often seemed to be the case in the past.:D:D

    Don't drop the soap boys!;);)


  • #10
    seamus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 68,173 ✭✭✭✭seamus


    Just for reference, these are relatively harsh sentences for a serious assault. The timeframe is typical (2-3 years), but a full suspension is very common.

    http://www.eecho.ie/news/ireland/boxer-gets-suspended-sentence-for-unprovoked-assault-496478.html
    http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/suspended-sentence-for-nightclub-glass-assault-511504.html

    Having to serve half of the sentence for assault is actally quite harsh, relatively speaking, and will be doubly difficult for (former) Gardai for obvious reasons.


  • #11
    jackie1974
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 486 ✭✭jackie1974


    Im delighted to read that, getting a good beating in the cells is almost par for the course if you piss off the wrong garda. My ex got a beating lately after being arrested for drunken disorderly conduct. He was arguing outside a club when a garda approached him and asked him his name, he replied peter, garda says peter what and like the smart ass he is he said peter pan. So a very pissed off garda says ah ya think your clever do ya and throws him into the back of a paddy wagon.

    He said he was in the cell about 10 minutes when a different garda came in, beat the sh!te out of him and left, origonal garda came back in happy out and told him fcuk off home.

    Ive often said of a scumbag that has commited some awful crime that I hope to god they get a good hiding in the barracks but rationally speaking nobody should have that power to be able to carry out an assault on anybody that pisses them off


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  • #12
    ItsAWindUp
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,325 ✭✭✭ItsAWindUp


    Glad to see an example made of them, Gardai are not above the law despite what some members may believe.


  • #13
    Guy:Incognito
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 38,227 ✭✭✭✭Guy:Incognito


    Peetrik wrote: »
    They should be sacked and have the book thrown at them. .

    Before the trial? The only way an "ex-Garda" can be convicted is if they are no longer in the job. Think thats what he was getting at. They shouldnt be sacked before the trial.


  • #14
    Yahew
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,488 ✭✭✭Yahew


    jackie1974 wrote: »
    Im delighted to read that, getting a good beating in the cells is almost par for the course if you piss off the wrong garda. My ex got a beating lately after being arrested for drunken disorderly conduct. He was arguing outside a club when a garda approached him and asked him his name, he replied peter, garda says peter what and like the smart ass he is he said peter pan. So a very pissed off garda says ah ya think your clever do ya and throws him into the back of a paddy wagon.

    He said he was in the cell about 10 minutes when a different garda came in, beat the sh!te out of him and left, origonal garda came back in happy out and told him fcuk off home.

    Ive often said of a scumbag that has commited some awful crime that I hope to god they get a good hiding in the barracks but rationally speaking nobody should have that power to be able to carry out an assault on anybody that pisses them off

    yeaah, did he do anything? I know going to the Police to complain about the Police is a mug's game, but he should try.


  • #15
    Dudess
    Closed Accounts Posts: 37,214 ✭✭✭✭Dudess


    jackie1974 wrote: »
    Im delighted to read that, getting a good beating in the cells is almost par for the course if you piss off the wrong garda. My ex got a beating lately after being arrested for drunken disorderly conduct. He was arguing outside a club when a garda approached him and asked him his name, he replied peter, garda says peter what and like the smart ass he is he said peter pan. So a very pissed off garda says ah ya think your clever do ya and throws him into the back of a paddy wagon.

    He said he was in the cell about 10 minutes when a different garda came in, beat the sh!te out of him and left, origonal garda came back in happy out and told him fcuk off home.
    Corrupt ****ers. :mad:

    Yeah, re your last point: someone like that maniac who chopped off the girl's fingers, I couldn't care less about him getting a thumping from other prisoners (although I'd draw the line at torture and actual killing) but I wouldn't like guards laying a finger on anyone, because they are agents of the state, and in a position of power.


  • #16
    Bosco boy
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 1,235 ✭✭✭Bosco boy


    jackie1974 wrote: »
    Im delighted to read that, getting a good beating in the cells is almost par for the course if you piss off the wrong garda. My ex got a beating lately after being arrested for drunken disorderly conduct. He was arguing outside a club when a garda approached him and asked him his name, he replied peter, garda says peter what and like the smart ass he is he said peter pan. So a very pissed off garda says ah ya think your clever do ya and throws him into the back of a paddy wagon.

    He said he was in the cell about 10 minutes when a different garda came in, beat the sh!te out of him and left, origonal garda came back in happy out and told him fcuk off home.

    Ive often said of a scumbag that has commited some awful crime that I hope to god they get a good hiding in the barracks but rationally speaking nobody should have that power to be able to carry out an assault on anybody that pisses them off

    Maybe it was Peter pan who came in and beat him! Sounds like he likes fairy tales!!!


  • #17
    padd b1975
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,910 ✭✭✭✭padd b1975


    jackie1974 wrote: »
    Im delighted to read that, getting a good beating in the cells is almost par for the course if you piss off the wrong garda. My ex got a beating lately after being arrested for drunken disorderly conduct. He was arguing outside a club when a garda approached him and asked him his name, he replied peter, garda says peter what and like the smart ass he is he said peter pan. So a very pissed off garda says ah ya think your clever do ya and throws him into the back of a paddy wagon.

    He said he was in the cell about 10 minutes when a different garda came in, beat the sh!te out of him and left, origonal garda came back in happy out and told him fcuk off home.

    Ive often said of a scumbag that has commited some awful crime that I hope to god they get a good hiding in the barracks but rationally speaking nobody should have that power to be able to carry out an assault on anybody that pisses them off
    Why could he not tell the garda his name??
    Did he have something to hide??


  • #18
    jackie1974
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 486 ✭✭jackie1974


    padd b1975 wrote: »
    jackie1974 wrote: »
    Im delighted to read that, getting a good beating in the cells is almost par for the course if you piss off the wrong garda. My ex got a beating lately after being arrested for drunken disorderly conduct. He was arguing outside a club when a garda approached him and asked him his name, he replied peter, garda says peter what and like the smart ass he is he said peter pan. So a very pissed off garda says ah ya think your clever do ya and throws him into the back of a paddy wagon. He said he was in the cell about 10 minutes when a different garda came in, beat the sh!te out of him and left, origonal garda came back in happy out and told him fcuk off home.
    Ive often said of a scumbag that has commited some awful crime that I hope to god they get a good hiding in the barracks but rationally speaking nobody should have that power to be able to carry out an assault on anybody that pisses them off
    Why could he not tell the garda his name??
    Did he have something to hide??


    No he acts the ass after drink, thought he could make a fool of the garda. If the gardai want to get your name they'll get it, its a small town so no hiding who you are.

    @ bosco boy, if you think this doesnt happen then im afraid youre mistaken.


  • #19
    Duggy747
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,295 ✭✭✭✭Duggy747


    Friend of mine was put in cell and was beaten black and blue by 3 Gardaì who had him pinned down. He was being cheeky when a Garda told him to go home and so he was lifted. Stupid move on his part but he's not stupid enough to raise a fist to any Garda.

    Wasn't until shift change when another Garda came in and saw him on the floor covered in blood did anybody call an ambulance for him. Had to get around 12 stitches on his face and his torso was covered in bruises. Went to the station the next morning where they took pictures of his face and body.

    The 3 Gardaì are been investigated by another Garda station and the ombudsman is involved too. He did tell my friend though not to expect anything since the judge tends to favour the Gardaì in these cell-beating cases.

    He did say he would like to see one of the young Gardaì done as apparently numerous similiar cases had involved him.

    In this particular station, beatings aren't unknown at all.


  • #20
    Witcher
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,521 ✭✭✭✭Witcher


    jackie1974 wrote: »
    Im delighted to read that, getting a good beating in the cells is almost par for the course if you piss off the wrong garda. My ex got a beating lately after being arrested for drunken disorderly conduct. He was arguing outside a club when a garda approached him and asked him his name, he replied peter, garda says peter what and like the smart ass he is he said peter pan. So a very pissed off garda says ah ya think your clever do ya and throws him into the back of a paddy wagon.

    He said he was in the cell about 10 minutes when a different garda came in, beat the sh!te out of him and left, origonal garda came back in happy out and told him fcuk off home.

    Ive often said of a scumbag that has commited some awful crime that I hope to god they get a good hiding in the barracks but rationally speaking nobody should have that power to be able to carry out an assault on anybody that pisses them off

    You can bet he won't be a smartarse next time:pac:


  • #21
    Oranage2
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,129 ✭✭✭✭Oranage2


    Bosco boy wrote: »
    Maybe it was Peter pan who came in and beat him! Sounds like he likes fairy tales!!!

    You're probably stationed at never neverland or on the the handing out fines duty because in the real world son Gardai giving some lad a slap is all to common!


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  • #22
    ItsAWindUp
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,325 ✭✭✭ItsAWindUp


    Duggy747 wrote: »
    Friend of mine was put in cell and was beaten black and blue by 3 Gardaì who had him pinned down. He was being cheeky when a Garda told him to go home and so he was lifted. Stupid move on his part but he's not stupid enough to raise a fist to any Garda.

    Wasn't until shift change when another Garda came in and saw him on the floor covered in blood did anybody call an ambulance for him. Had to get around 12 stitches on his face and his torso was covered in bruises. Went to the station the next morning where they took pictures of his face and body.

    The 3 Gardaì are been investigated by another Garda station and the ombudsman is involved too. He did tell my friend though not to expect anything since the judge tends to favour the Gardaì in these cell-beating cases.

    He did say he would like to see one of the young Gardaì done as apparently numerous similiar cases had involved him.

    In this particular station, beatings aren't unknown at all.

    Clonmel?


  • #23
    Logical Fallacy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,933 ✭✭✭Logical Fallacy


    Personally i think Gardai who are convicted of a crime should receive tougher sentences because it's obvious that they were using their position as a member of the police to protect which is an insult to hard working honest coppers.

    At the end of the day people pick a side, cops and criminals but the two worst things in the world are a rat crook and a bent cop.


  • #24
    amacachi
    Closed Accounts Posts: 23,315 ✭✭✭✭amacachi


    jackie1974 wrote: »
    Ive often said of a scumbag that has commited some awful crime that I hope to god they get a good hiding in the barracks but rationally speaking nobody should have that power to be able to carry out an assault on anybody that pisses them off

    Rationality? On After Hours? LOL. :pac:


  • #25
    pragmatic1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,573 ✭✭✭pragmatic1


    Oranage2 wrote: »
    You're probably stationed at never neverland or on the the handing out fines duty because in the real world son Gardai giving some lad a slap is all to common!
    Very common. And worse things than beatings in some cases.


  • #26
    LionelNashe
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,958 ✭✭✭LionelNashe


    pragmatic1 wrote: »
    Oranage2 wrote: »
    You're probably stationed at never neverland or on the the handing out fines duty because in the real world son Gardai giving some lad a slap is all to common!
    Very common. And worse things than beatings in some cases.

    Wedgies?


  • #27
    hatrickpatrick
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,798 ✭✭✭✭hatrickpatrick


    Dymo wrote: »
    They attacked him knowing that they would get away with it because they were members of the Gardai, and the guy who moved the CCTV camera knew what was happening was wrong but decided to turn a blind eye to it.

    Hope its a lesson for other want to be Robocops.

    It's worse than that. He didn't just turn a blind eye, he actively diverted the camera away from the incident to deliberately cover up what had happened.


  • #28
    pragmatic1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,573 ✭✭✭pragmatic1


    LionelNashe wrote: »
    Wedgies?
    The horror.


  • #29
    jack presley
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,687 ✭✭✭✭jack presley


    Will they do the time though? The last fella got off on appeal because the judge thought prison 'would be a bad place for a Gard to be'.


  • #30
    charlemont
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,725 ✭✭✭charlemont


    Bosco boy wrote: »
    Maybe it was Peter pan who came in and beat him! Sounds like he likes fairy tales!!!

    My My, Those blinkers must be doing a wonderful job. ;)

    I could tell ye many a true story about assaults in the barracks but I took my beatings and gave as good back and I'v nothing against those responsible as I had a big stupid mouth. (Bar 1 which was uncalled for)

    Look its quiet simple, Gardaí are men too and if you get too smart or aggressive with them you can expect violence to come into it. That fellow in Waterford should have kept calm if he didn't react like that with his jacket he wouldn't have got those few poxy slaps.


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  • #31
    jackie1974
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 486 ✭✭jackie1974


    Blay wrote: »
    jackie1974 wrote: »
    Im delighted to read that, getting a good beating in the cells is almost par for the course if you piss off the wrong garda. My ex got a beating lately after being arrested for drunken disorderly conduct. He was arguing outside a club when a garda approached him and asked him his name, he replied peter, garda says peter what and like the smart ass he is he said peter pan. So a very pissed off garda says ah ya think your clever do ya and throws him into the back of a paddy wagon. He said he was in the cell about 10 minutes when a different garda came in, beat the sh!te out of him and left, origonal garda came back in happy out and told him fcuk off home.
    Ive often said of a scumbag that has commited some awful crime that I hope to god they get a good hiding in the barracks but rationally speaking nobody should have that power to be able to carry out an assault on anybody that pisses them off
    You can bet he won't be a smartarse next time:pac:


    You would think wouldn't ya but no he is his own worst enemy after drinking.


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