A night out meant to foster camaraderie among Garda colleagues took a dramatic turn when one officer allegedly assaulted another, leaving him with a broken nose. The incident, which occurred nearly three years ago, is now the subject of a legal battle, with Garda Denis Lordan seeking €60,000 in damages from his colleague, Garda Ronan O’Shaughnessy, over the alleged assault. The case, heard before the Circuit Civil Court, has brought to light a series of heated exchanges, allegations of jealousy, and claims of self-defense.

The Incident: A Night of Drinking Ends in Violence

On March 28, 2022, a group of Gardaí from Lucan Garda Station gathered for an after-work drinking session at Cassidy’s Pub on Camden Street, Dublin. Among them were Garda O’Shaughnessy and his then-girlfriend, Probation Garda Aisling Walsh. The court heard that the couple had a falling out during the gathering, adding tension to the night.

According to the testimony, Garda Lordan allegedly pulled Garda Walsh’s ponytail at some point during the evening. Later, as the group moved to another pub, the situation escalated. Garda Lordan claimed that, without provocation, Garda O’Shaughnessy punched him in the face, breaking his nose and leaving him covered in blood.

However, Garda O’Shaughnessy offered a different account, alleging that Lordan approached him at the bar, towering over him and making comments about the breakup with Walsh. He further claimed that Lordan grabbed him by the throat, prompting him to strike out in self-defense.

Courtroom Drama: Claims and Counterclaims

During the court proceedings, both sides presented conflicting narratives. Garda Lordan insisted that the attack was unprovoked and denied that he had any romantic interest in Garda Walsh. He also refuted claims that he had attempted to blackmail O’Shaughnessy into settling the matter privately for €20,000.

On the other hand, O’Shaughnessy’s barrister suggested that Lordan had indeed attempted to pressure him into an out-of-court settlement. The defense maintained that the punch was a defensive reaction rather than an aggressive attack.

Adding to the complexity of the case, Garda Lordan admitted that he did not file a criminal complaint against O’Shaughnessy. He cited a discussion with Superintendent Paul Murphy, who reportedly warned that if a complaint were lodged, all Gardaí present at the after-hours gathering would face disciplinary action.

Legal Ramifications and Public Reaction

The case has sparked public debate about the conduct of law enforcement officers off duty. Many have questioned whether Gardaí should be held to higher standards of behavior, even during social gatherings.

Legal experts have noted that the case could set a precedent for similar incidents within law enforcement. If Garda Lordan succeeds in his claim, it could encourage other officers to pursue legal action for workplace conflicts that escalate into physical altercations.

Judgment Pending

Judge Michael Walsh is expected to deliver his ruling on the case soon. Legal observers are closely watching how the court will navigate the conflicting accounts and determine whether O’Shaughnessy acted in self-defense or committed an unprovoked assault.

Regardless of the outcome, the incident highlights the challenges of maintaining professionalism and discipline among Gardaí outside of their official duties. It also underscores the potential consequences of personal disputes spilling into the workplace.

As the legal process unfolds, many will be waiting to see how this high-profile case impacts both the reputations of those involved and the broader perception of Garda conduct in social settings.

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