A High Court jury has awarded €505,000 in damages to a 62-year-old former League of Ireland player after it found that he was assaulted by members of An Gardai Siochana.
Michael Sheehan from Hillquarter, Coosan, Athlone, Co Westmeath had sued the Garda Commissioner, the Minister for Justice and the State claims that he suffered injuries after he claimed he was pepper sprayed and assaulted by members of An Garda Siochana in an incident that occurred in the centre of the town on the night of June 3rd, 2012.
The defendants fully denied claims that the Gardai had assaulted and falsely imprisoned the plaintiff on the night in question or were negligent or in breach of their duty of care towards Mr Sheehan.