MAN ( 36) SMEARED BLOOD ON FACE OF SERGEANT

A MAN who smeared blood on the face of a garda sergeant and left him with a cut lip from a punch agreed to pay €2,250 in compensation in order to spare himself a criminal record.

Thirty-six year old Michael Murphy of Woodville House, Tombrack, admitted that he assaulted Sgt. Brendan Moore, pictured right, at Enniscorthy Garda Station.

The incident outlined at Gorey District Court dated back to the early hours of October 25, 2015, when the defendant was detained in the cell area at the barracks. He turned aggressive, smearing blood on the face of Sergeant Moore and then punching him in the face.

Solicitor Lana Doherty told Judge John Cheatle her client called to apologise the following day and she reckoned that the attack was very out of character.

Murphy was a father of four and earning €400 weekly, running his own business.

Prosecuting Sergeant Maire- ad Brophy pointed out that the assault was totally unprovoked.

Judge Cheatle said he rated Brendan Moore as an impressive man and a credit to the force.

However, he was reluctant to saddle the defendant with a criminal record.

He found the facts of the assault prosecution proven but ruled that Murphy would be allowed the benefit of the Probation Act once the compensation is paid.