A 37-yr-old man who sprayed a garda in the face with liquid from a syringe during a self-harm incident at his home has been sentenced to 18 months in prison, reports The Mirror.
Cork Circuit Criminal Court heard that Gardaí were called to the home of Trevor Murphy, located on Millerd Street in Cork city, on February 8, 2024, following a report that a man was threatening to harm himself.
Judge Helen Boyle was informed that when Gardaí arrived, Mr Murphy became hostile. He had barricaded himself in the bathroom and refused to engage with the officers. He warned them that he would attack them if given the opportunity, reports The Mirror.
Members of the Armed Support Unit were forced to break into the bathroom. During the confrontation, Mr Murphy grabbed a syringe filled with liquid and sprayed it into the eyes of one of the Gardaí. Officers had to subdue him using pepper spray.
The garda who was assaulted had to undergo preventive antibiotic treatment. Blood tests confirmed he did not contract HIV or Hepatitis. Mr Murphy has a record of 64 prior convictions, including for robbery and assault, reports The Mirror.
Judge Boyle stated that the incident amounted to “an assault using a syringe.”
“The guard was only there to assist you and to stop you from taking your own life. Gardaí are entitled to go about their duties without risk of serious illness and assault,” reports The Mirror.
She acknowledged as mitigating factors Mr Murphy’s guilty plea and the fact that he had been experiencing a “mental health crisis” at the time.
Judge Boyle also noted that Mr Murphy was putting in a “great effort” to overcome his issues with alcohol and drug dependency, reports The Mirror.
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