The sister of a young garda who was one of two officers who died when a stolen car crashed into their patrol car in Dublin more than four years ago has been awarded more than €22,000 by the High Court.
Making the award yesterday, Mr Justice Vivian Lavan paid tribute to Garda Michael Padden (27) and Garda Anthony Tighe (53), who died as a result of the collision on April 14th, 2002, with a stolen high-powered sports car.
Both men were stationed at Donnybrook Garda station at the time. Garda Padden was single and Garda Tighe a father of four.
Mr Justice Lavan yesterday considered an application under the Garda Compensation Act by Garda Padden's sister, Angela Padden, from Belmullet, Co Mayo, arising out of her brother's death.
The judge said there were tragic circumstances to the case. Garda Padden was a passenger in a squad car at The Rise, Mount Merrion, four years ago when the patrol car was rammed, fatally injuring the two gardaí.
The application before the court had been difficult and had been adjourned several times, the judge said.