A garda whose estranged wife, a taxi-driver, suffered a violent death in Co Galway before Christmas was yesterday awarded £67,981 damages under the Garda Compensation Acts arising from an incident six years ago.
In the High Court, Mrs Justice McGuinness made the award to Garda Thomas O'Shaughnessy. The court was told the garda had been injured in an incident near Clarenbridge, Co Galway, and had suffered post-traumatic stress disorder.
Garda O'Shaughnessy had suffered an injury to his face when he was struck by a vase, the judge said. It had lasted six to eight weeks and resulted in a continuing injury to the teeth which would require further detailed treatment.
She said the most serious injury was the post-traumatic stress disorder and she awarded damages of £67,981 including £40,000 general damages for pain and suffering to date and in the future.
Special damages were agreed at £27,981, and include loss of potential overtime earnings because the garda would not be able to do outdoor work and would have to remain at desk duties. The special damages also include sums for hospital and dental treatment.
Garda O'Shaughnessy (51), Mill Street Garda station, Galway, said he was called to the scene of a break-in on April 13th, 1992, at the Brothers of Charity, Claren bridge. He and two other gardai confronted a man who had raised a hammer and were confronted by another man who smashed a vase into his face.
He suffered fright and shock and was in fear of his life.
Garda O'Shaughnessy said he was depressed afterwards and could not sleep at night. He was prescribed anti-depressant tablets. He could not sleep as he was reliving the whole scene and got flashbacks.
He spent 17 days in hospital and was depressed. He was uptight and agitated.
Asked about the death of his wife in tragic circumstances before Christmas, Garda O'Shaughnessy said it brought him back to "square one".
He again suffered withdrawal symptoms, required continuing medication and he was not fit to return to traffic duties.