Courts / Dublin / Report

Sex offender attacked garda and tried to blacken his reputation

Summary

In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court case, a 33‑year‑old African man, who cannot be named to protect his child's identity, was convicted of assaulting Garda Barry Purcell on 16 June 2016. The assault occurred after social workers visited the man's home to remove his son from his care; the visit became heated and the man threw glasses and punched the garda, causing swelling and bruising to the garda's hand and forearm. The garda, who has served 12 years, said the injuries had cleared but the incident left him hesitant and fearful in certain situations. The accused, who has 23 previous convictions and a five‑month sentence for a prior sexual assault, does not accept the jury verdict. Judge Karen O'Connor remanded him in custody and adjourned sentencing to 6 December. The garda also reported that the accused tried to "blacken his reputation" by calling him a racist during the trial. The case remains pending.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Sex offender attacked garda and tried to blacken his reputation. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted

When:

• June 16, 2016 Incident
• December 6th Adjournment
• 2019-11-29 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Sexual Offences Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report