Off-Duty Garda Avoids Conviction After Alcohol-Fuelled Assault on Hotel Porter

 Ennis, Ireland — An off-duty Garda, Caoileann Fitzmaurice, who has previously represented Roscommon at senior inter-county football level, has avoided conviction after pleading guilty to the assault of a hotel porter during a stag weekend in Ennis. The incident, which occurred on January 21, 2023, unfolded at the Queen’s Hotel following a night of heavy drinking.

Ennis District Court heard that Fitzmaurice, 31, became "paralytically drunk" after consuming multiple sambucas during the alcohol-fuelled gathering. He assaulted hotel staff member Olufegun Lawal while in a disoriented state. Fitzmaurice, who is stationed at Pearse Street Garda Station in Dublin, struck Mr Lawal twice—in the nose and eye—before the altercation continued onto the street, where he was seen kicking out. CCTV footage captured the incident.

Delivering his ruling, Judge Alec Gabbett described the episode as an “isolated incident” on an otherwise clean record. Citing Fitzmaurice’s remorse, proactive engagement with the Probation Services, and lack of prior convictions, Judge Gabbett opted not to record a formal conviction. Instead, he imposed the Probation Act, noting that Fitzmaurice had handed over €5,000 in compensation to the victim.

“This was an alcohol-fuelled weekend. Mr Fitzmaurice had four or five drinks and became paralytically drunk. It is a shame, really. But for this incident, he wouldn’t be here at all,” Judge Gabbett remarked.

Exemplary Engagement with Probation Services

Judge Gabbett praised Fitzmaurice for confronting the case head-on, stating: “He has shown genuine remorse, apologised, accepted responsibility, and paid compensation. His insight into the offence is excellent.”

The court also heard that Fitzmaurice had since given up alcohol, engaged in counselling, was due to be married, and remained active in community and sporting circles. He holds a degree in criminology and has been described as “a very well-educated gentleman” with a promising future in An Garda Síochána.

“He is mortified by what occurred,” the judge noted. “This case has attracted significant public attention, which has impacted not only him but also his family, teammates, and colleagues. Unfortunately, Mr Google will follow him around for some time.”

Disciplinary Proceedings Await

While Judge Gabbett declined to strike out the case, he acknowledged the potential impact of the court outcome on internal Garda disciplinary proceedings. “This was an assault. There will be internal consequences, and the aim must be to get Mr Fitzmaurice off administrative duties and back to frontline service,” he stated.

Counsel for the defence, Cian Kelly BL, highlighted that Fitzmaurice attested as a Garda in 2017 and is currently assigned to office duties. He also noted Fitzmaurice’s leadership role as captain of the Michael Glavey’s senior football team in Roscommon.

The case was prosecuted by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC), with barrister Sarah Jane Comerford BL presenting the facts. She explained that Fitzmaurice, in an “exceptionally intoxicated and confused state,” was left in the care of Mr Lawal by friends attempting to put him to bed. When Mr Lawal tried to assist him, Fitzmaurice responded violently.

Mr Lawal suffered a bloody nose and required medical attention. Despite this, he chose not to submit a victim impact statement. Upon exiting the courtroom, Fitzmaurice extended a handshake to Mr Lawal in a gesture of apology.

The case underscores the challenges of balancing personal accountability with professional duty, especially for those in public service. Judge Gabbett concluded by expressing confidence that Fitzmaurice would not appear before the court again—except in his official capacity as a Garda.