Garda trying to save man from self-harming in Cork sprayed in the face with liquid from syringe

A garda trying to save a man from self-harming or taking his own life forced his way into a bathroom but was sprayed in the face and eyes with brown/red liquid from a syringe and now the culprit has been jailed for 18 months.

“This was 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,” Judge Helen Boyle said at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

A prison sentence of two and a half years with the last 12 months suspended was imposed on 37-year-old Trevor Murphy.

The incident occurred on February 8 2024 when gardaí responded to a report of a man threatening self-harm at an apartment at Millerd Square, Millerd Street, Cork, where Trevor Murphy was residing at the time.

On arrival they were admitted by family members who said he had locked himself into the bathroom. He had heroin and needles and was threatening suicide. He said he would assault gardaí if given an opportunity.

Members of the garda armed support unit had to force their way into the bathroom where the accused said, “What the f*** do ye want?” And he brandished a syringe and needle with a brown/red liquid, and sprayed the contents across the face of one of the guards and into his eyes as he violently resisted arrest.

The officer was later blood-tested and was negative for HIV, Hep B and Hep C.

Judge Helen Boyle said: “Your drug use exacerbates your mental health difficulties. I am satisfied you have done your best to stay away from drugs and to mind your mental health since this. You have made great efforts to recover from alcohol and drug use.” 

The judge added that the signed plea spared witnesses and saved the state the time and expense of a trial.

Imposing a total sentence of two and a half years, Judge Boyle suspended the final year of the sentence.