A garda who was beaten up when called out to a domestic dispute, and who has since been retired on medical grounds, has secured compensation of more than €260,000 at the High Court.
Mark Piper (42) of Crossmahon, Bandon, Co Cork, brought the claim against the Minister for Finance under the Garda Síochána (Compensation) Acts, arising out of the incident at Kilcrea, Ovens, Co Cork, on October 3rd, 1997. Mr Piper was retired from the force on medical grounds on November 2nd, 2002.
Yesterday, Dr John O'Mahony SC, for Mr Piper, said his client was called out to a domestic dispute at approximately 2am. He was attacked by a man when he attempted to protect a woman and child from injury. He sustained a beating which resulted in injuries to his face, hand, neck and back. He afterwards suffered depression and post traumatic stress disorder.
Making a total award of €263,801 Mr Justice Vivian Lavan said this included €90,000 for pain and suffering to date and €109,000 for future loss of earnings and loss of pension. At the date of the incident, Garda Piper was stationed at Crookstown Garda station, Co Cork.