Garda Superintendent Faces Assault and Racism Charges After Bar Incident

A garda superintendent is facing serious allegations following an incident at a Dublin bar. The court heard on August 26, 2023, that Gavin O’Reilly, while off duty, became aggressive, assaulted a bar manager, and directed racist remarks towards a bouncer when asked to leave the establishment.

The accusations were detailed during a hearing in the Dublin District Court on Tuesday, where the bar manager, Emma Parks, testified about the events that unfolded at the Penny Lane bar, located on Strand Street Great. Parks described a busy night at the bar when she noticed O’Reilly, along with two friends, behaving disruptively.

Parks stated that she first observed the group between 21:00 and 22:00, noting their loud behavior despite the lively atmosphere. Recognizing the potential for trouble, she informed the door staff to monitor the trio closely. According to Parks, the accused appeared to be intoxicated and was leaning against railings for support.

As the evening progressed, Parks decided to approach the men and suggested they leave. She offered to let them return after getting some food. Although the group initially exited, O’Reilly returned shortly afterward, which Parks described as surprising.

The exchange escalated quickly, with Parks alleging that O’Reilly became confrontational. She claimed he threatened her, saying, “You are never going to work again” and “What’s your f**king name?” His demeanor reportedly included clenched fists and bared teeth, which made Parks feel threatened.

Standing at 4 feet 11 inches tall, Parks described leaning back to create space as O’Reilly, estimated to be 5 feet 5 inches, moved closer. O’Reilly allegedly identified himself as a superintendent, further complicating the situation. Parks testified that he continued to insult her, claiming he knew the bar’s owner and would ensure she would lose her job.

The tension escalated when a nearby bouncer intervened, at which point O’Reilly reportedly directed a racial slur towards him. Parks responded by recording the incident on her phone, stating she found his language “disgraceful.” She accused O’Reilly of swiping her phone from her hand, causing it to hit the wall and the ground.

After the incident, Parks called emergency services. Although she did not require hospitalization, she experienced pain in her hand and took a week off work due to feeling “very shaken.” She noted that this was the first time she had encountered such aggression in her 19 years of working in pubs.

During cross-examination, O’Reilly’s defense attorney, Garnet Orange SC, suggested that Parks exaggerated her account and implied that she initiated the confrontation. He claimed that O’Reilly intended to inform the bar owner about the incident before matters escalated. Parks dismissed these suggestions, maintaining that her phone was primarily close to her chest during the encounter.

The trial, overseen by Judge John Hughes, is ongoing as both sides present their cases. The outcome will hinge on the evidence and testimonies shared in the coming days.