Royal Navy officer charged with female garda assault
A ROYAL Navy officer whose ship was on a goodwill visit to an Irish port has been charged with assaulting a garda.
Warrant Officer (WO) Robert Nixon (39) appeared before Cork District Court yesterday charged with assault causing harm to a female garda.
The court was told that WO Nixon of HMS Mersey is charged with assault causing harm to Gda Hilary Lynch and with engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour at Kennedy Quay, Cork in the early hours of September 1.
The court was told WO Nixon made no reply on being arrested, cautioned and charged.
The court also heard he was "an honest and a decent man" with 22 years' naval service.
Gardai told the court that, because of the serious nature of the charges, the matter has been referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for further directions.
WO Nixon was granted bail and the matter adjourned until October 20.
- Ralph Riegel
Irish Independent
