Garda Bernard Briody Cleared of Assault on Teenager with Knuckle Duster in Dublin

Garda Bernard Briody, stationed at Tallaght Garda Station, has been acquitted of assault causing harm to a 17-year-old boy on November 2, 2024. The incident occurred during a large fight near Holles Street Maternity Hospital in Dublin, where the teenager was armed with a knuckle duster.

Briody was on public order duty when he and colleagues responded to 999 calls reporting 30-60 people fighting, some with baseball bats. Upon arrival, the alleged victim fled, and Briody pursued him on foot. The garda stated he saw a silver object, believed to be a knife, in the teenager's pocket. After warnings and an ineffective pepper spray attempt, the boy stopped and took a confrontational stance.

Briody testified he struck the boy once with his baton, aiming for the thigh but hitting his hand, breaking a bone. The entire interaction lasted approximately 15 seconds. The garda believed the boy was confronting him and carrying a knife, using his baton after other efforts to detain him failed. The teenager received a juvenile caution for possessing the knuckle duster and admitted to having it for self-defense due to safety concerns in Dublin.

The defense highlighted inconsistencies in witness testimonies and the Garda ombudsman's failure to gather statements from other 999 callers. The teenager, who had eight prior juvenile cautions, claimed the garda aimed for his ribs. Judge John Hughes noted contradictions in witness evidence, particularly from Lynsey Byrne, and concluded the case was not proven beyond a reasonable doubt, leading to Briody's acquittal. The judge affirmed Briody's assessment that the complainant was carrying a weapon.