£35,000 for garda hurt in rescue

A garda who saved a life by handcuffing himself to a "distressed young man" who threw himself off the viaduct in Balbriggan, …

A garda who saved a life by handcuffing himself to a "distressed young man" who threw himself off the viaduct in Balbriggan, Co Dublin, was awarded £35,000 in compensation for his injuries at the High Court yesterday.

The court heard that Garda Lester Morton (43), of Balbriggan station, bore the full 14 stone weight of the man, who had jumped from the viaduct in the early hours of July 31st, 1995. Gardai and fire officers hauled the man back on to the ledge of the viaduct, but Garda Morton had suffered injuries to his right wrist, shoulder and left hand.

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone

  • Listen to In The News podcast daily for a deep dive on the stories that matter