Waterford Garda appealing conviction
Sgt. Doyle was found guilty in July 2024 at Waterford District Court.
Garda William Doyle is appealing his conviction for assault and perversion of the course of justice and assault.
Doyle was found guilty of the two charges earlier this year following a trial in Waterford District Court.
Mr Doyle (52) was found guilty of assaulting Scott Delahunty on the morning of March 9, 2022, inside Waterford Garda Station.
He was also convicted of attempting to pervert the course of justice by advising junior Garda Rachel Pratt, who was under his supervision at the time, to not include the assault in the Garda custody record.
The case had been taken by the Garda Ombudsman (GSOC) on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Judge John O'Leary sentenced Mr Doyle to 80 hours community service in lieu of a prison term of four months for the perversion of the course of justice.
The assault charge was taken into consideration.
Defence counsel David Staunton BL informed Judge O’Leary that Sgt Doyle has served in the Garda Síochána for nearly 30 years and had an exemplary record before the assault.
At Waterford Circuit Court, Judge Mary Morrissey heard from a representative for Sgt. Doyle that he wishes to appeal the conviction. The matter is scheduled to be heard again in February 2025.
An Garda Síochána were contacted for clarification on Sgt. Doyle's current status within the force. A spokesperson responded: "An Garda Síochána does not comment on matters under appeal before the courts. An Garda Síochána does not comment on internal disciplinary matters. A member of An Garda Síochána remains suspended from active duty pending the conclusion of all matters currently before the courts."
