A former garda who received severe back and eye injuries when a stolen car went over him as he was getting off his motorcycle was awarded damages of £500,000 and costs by the High Court yesterday.
Mr Richard Crowley (37), who was attached to the Garda Traffic Department at Dublin Castle, had sued the Minister for Finance under the Garda Compensation Acts over the incident which happened in Blanchardstown, Dublin, on January 8th, 1994. He had to leave the force in May 1996 as a result of the incident. Mr Justice Patrick Smith said the garda had to retire at an early age. His losses were quite staggering and were not in dispute in relation to wages, pensions and future medical care. The total of special damages amounted to almost £400,000.
Mr Justice Smith allowed £40,000 for pain and suffering to date and £60,000 in respect of pain and suffering in future.