A garda who received severe injuries in a "savage" assault in Manorhamilton, Co Leitrim, was awarded compensation of £232,680 at the High Court yesterday. The figure includes agreed special damages of £102,680.
Mr Justice Budd said he was satisfied that Garda Gerard Murphy (45), a father of four, had had to undergo two serious operations following the assault and would have to wear a colostomy bag for life.
Garda Murphy and another garda were called to a row involving four men in Main Street, Manorhamilton, on July 10th, 1994. A snooker ball had been used to smash a window.
One of the gardai was set upon, and Garda Murphy went to his aid. He was then subjected to a most savage attack, the judge said. He was given a ferocious punch to the jaw, which left him on the ground, where he was kicked by two of the men.
Fortunately, the judge said, Garda Murphy was well known and citizens came to the aid of the gardai. One citizen said Garda Murphy was concussed but he got into the patrol car and pursued the assailants, who were eventually arrested.
Garda Murphy had concussion from a "fierce" blow to the head. He had cuts to the face and head and teeth injuries. He subsequently lost two teeth and had a scar on his mouth. He suffered dizziness, headaches and bruises.
He had a prior colitis condition, which worsened shortly afterwards. He had a colostomy operation in September 1994 and a further serious operation later. He now had to wear a colostomy bag.
Mr Justice Budd said he was convinced that the savagery and suddenness of the attack had led to the flare-up of the colitis condition. Garda Murphy now had difficulties swimming, and his drinking was limited to two pints. The colostomy bag inhibited him socially and also placed limitations on the work he could do. He had attended 19 behavioural therapy sessions to deal with the psychological effects of the attack.
The judge awarded £134,000 in compensation for pain and suffering to date and into the future, less £4,000 for compensation already paid to the garda by one of those involved in the attack. Special damages of £102,680 were agreed, and include expenses paid to date, and actual lost earnings and sums that the garda will have to pay out for medication and other expenses. Total compensation was £232,680.