GALWAY – A legal battle involving a 28-year-old teacher who alleged a male Garda officer broke her arm during an altercation at a police station has concluded with a last-minute settlement.
Denise Callinan, of Manorhamilton, Co Leitrim, reached an agreement with the State just moments before a High Court jury was set to deliver its verdict.
The Incident and Allegations
The lawsuit stemmed from an incident on October 19, 2019, at Mill Street Garda Station in Galway. Ms. Callinan had been brought to the station following an earlier arrest under public order legislation.
According to her testimony, a male officer used "unreasonable force" while she was in custody, allegedly twisting her arm until it fractured. The defense for the Garda Commissioner had faced questions during the trial regarding the necessity and scale of the force applied during the encounter.
The Settlement
On Thursday, after a trial that saw the 12-person jury deliberate since Wednesday morning, legal counsel for both parties informed Mr. Justice Tony O’Connor that a compromise had been reached. The settlement was finalized as the jury indicated they were ready to return with a verdict.
- Legal Costs: By consent of both parties, the judge struck out the proceedings and ordered the Garda Commissioner to cover Ms. Callinan’s legal expenses.
- Confidentiality: While the specific financial terms of the settlement remain undisclosed, Ms. Callinan expressed her satisfaction with the outcome outside the courtroom.
"Justice Served"
The jury’s deliberations had been intensive, with members seeking clarification on how to calculate general damages and the requirements for a majority verdict. Counsel for the plaintiff, Seamus Breen, noted that the jury’s insightful questions during the process played a significant role in "concentrating minds" and facilitating the final resolution.
Speaking to the press following the hearing, Ms. Callinan stated she was “extremely happy” with the compromise, adding, “For me personally, that is justice being served.”
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