Brutal garda attack - One month on and no arrests made

One month has passed and, despite repeated appeals for information and an ongoing garda investigation, no arrests have been made in connection with the savage beating of a young garda in west Cavan.

Roscommon native Garda Padraig Scott was threatened at gunpoint and beaten before being doused in petrol in an incident that shocked the nation.

The garda, stationed in Blacklion for the past two years, and with at least six years experience in the force under his belt, was attacked in the early hours of February 28. He sustained a concussion among other injuries and was hospitalised for a time.

As a result of his injuries, Gda Scott remains off duty while he recovers. He continues to be fully supported by his family, friends and colleagues and is being provided with welfare and any other supports required from the Garda Employee Assistance Service.

The motive for the assault remains unknown. However the incident has amplified calls for additional policing manpower in the border region.

Last night (Monday) Superintendent Pauric Jones attached to Cavan Garda Station, appeared on RTÉ’s Crimecall. He appealed for further information. In particular, gardaí want to speak to anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious around the area next to Loughan House Open Prison, known locally as White Father’s Caves.

An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to any person driving on the N16, Cavan, passing Loughan House Prison, or the R206 and R207 at their junction with the N16, between 7pm on Sunday, February 27 and 3am on Monday, February 28, and in particular any person with video footage (dashcam or other format) to contact them.

The investigation into the attack is being led from an incident room set up at Cavan Garda Station.