Off-Duty Garda Superintendent Assaults Bar Manager in Dublin

UPDATE: A shocking incident unfolded at a Dublin gay bar on the night of August 26, 2023, when an off-duty Garda Superintendent, Gavin O’Reilly, allegedly assaulted the bar manager, Emma Parks, and displayed aggressive behavior. The case has now entered a non-jury trial at Dublin District Court under the scrutiny of Judge John Hughes.

According to court testimonies, O’Reilly, who reportedly claimed “I’m a Superintendent,” became confrontational after being asked to leave the Penny Lane bar. Parks described a tense scene where O’Reilly, alongside two friends, was seen causing a disturbance between 9 PM and 10 PM. The bar was busy, but the trio was noticeably loud, prompting Parks to alert security staff to monitor them closely.

As Parks attempted to diffuse the situation, she approached the group and suggested they leave for a meal, assuring them they could return later. However, moments later, O’Reilly returned, escalating the confrontation. Parks recounted that O’Reilly aggressively confronted her, asking, “What’s your name, what’s your f**king name?” as he clenched his fists and bared his teeth.

The incident took a racially charged turn when O’Reilly allegedly directed a slur at a bouncer, further compounding the aggression. Parks, who stands at just 4 feet 11 inches, described feeling intimidated as O’Reilly, who is taller, invaded her personal space. She insisted he was behaving inappropriately, stating, “I was never going to work again,” and claimed he threatened her job repeatedly.

In a dramatic moment, while attempting to record the incident on her phone, O’Reilly allegedly struck the device out of her hand, causing it to hit the wall and ground. Parks dialed emergency services, and her call was played in court, revealing her distress. Although she did not require hospital treatment, she suffered pain in her hand and took a week off work due to feeling “very shaken” by the encounter.

Defense attorney Garnet Orange SC cross-examined Parks, suggesting she might have exaggerated her claims and implied that O’Reilly’s return was innocuous. He argued that she had provoked the situation by laughing and putting her phone close to O’Reilly’s face. Parks firmly denied these allegations, maintaining that her phone was primarily near her chest and that she felt unsafe throughout the encounter.

The trial continues as authorities and the public await further developments in this troubling case involving a high-ranking police officer. The outcome will likely have significant implications for both O’Reilly and the reputation of the Garda.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.