Wednesday 28 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 7112Assault · Co. Dublin · 11 Dec 2019

Garda found guilty of assaulting man at Dublin bar

On December 11th, 2019, Garda Robert Hennessy, a Dublin-based garda, repeatedly punched Michael Finnegan (40), from Crumlin, in the face at Café en Seine on Dawson Street, Dublin, an incident captured on the bar's security cameras. A Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission investigation followed, and Hennessy pleaded not guilty when prosecuted at Dublin District Court. Judge John Hughes found that the circumstances did not amount to self-defence and convicted him, a verdict reported on November 13th, 2023. The latest development is that sentencing was adjourned until February 6th.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Convicted13 Nov
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • A Dublin-based garda, Robert Hennessy, was found guilty of assaulting Michael Finnegan.
  • Michael Finnegan was repeatedly punched in the face.
Where
The assault took place at Café en Seine on Dawson Street, Dublin.
When
The assault took place on December 11th, 2019.
Charges
Hennessy pleaded not guilty to assaulting Michael Finnegan, who is 40.
Investigation
  • The incident was captured on the bar's security camera system.
  • The prosecution followed an investigation by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission.
In court
  • The case was prosecuted at Dublin District Court before Judge John Hughes.
  • The judge said the circumstances did not amount to self-defence and convicted Hennessy.
Sentence
Sentencing was adjourned until February 6th.
Other details
  • Hennessy did not testify, but told the ombudsman he was stressed and feared Mr Finnegan would out them.
  • Finnegan told the court he was taking selfies, not photographing or recording the off-duty detective and his colleagues.
12 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA Dublin-based garda was found guilty of attacking a man. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatMichael Finnegan was repeatedly punched in the face. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereThe assault happened at Café en Seine on Dawson Street. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe assault happened on December 11th, 2019. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationThe incident was captured on the bar's security camera system. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationThe prosecution followed an investigation by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtHennessy pleaded not guilty to assaulting Michael Finnegan, who is 40. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe case was prosecuted at Dublin District Court. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe judge said the circumstances did not amount to self-defence. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe judge convicted Hennessy. (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceSentencing was adjourned until February 6th. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherHennessy did not testify and told the ombudsman he was stressed and feared Mr Finnegan would out them. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 13 Nov2023
    Convictedirishtimes.com, first report
    Garda found guilty of assaulting man he believed was taking photos of him and off-duty colleagues

    Reports the conviction of a garda for assault on a man at a Dublin bar, the judge's reasoning, and the adjournment of sentencing to February 6th.

    convicted, Robert Hennessy, male, named, irish (judged from name)Robert Hennessyvictim, Michael Finnegan, 40, male, irish (judged from name)Michael Finnegan