A garda was today handed a one-month suspended sentence for attacking a Reclaim the Streets protester.
Garda Paul Daly was ordered to keep the peace, and be of good behaviour for two months or face the prospect of jail.
Judge Yvonne Murphy ordered the 26-year-old father of one to pay a €400 bond.
Garda Daly had been found guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court of assaulting Emmet Bunting (28), a teacher from Collins Avenue, Dublin, during a demonstration in the city in May 2002.
He was acquitted of the more serious charge of assault causing harm.
Video footage revealed garda Daly had struck the protester with his baton across the body.
The court heard garda Daly had an exemplary record and was a vital member of the community policing unit at Pearse Street.
Mr Gerard Clarke SC, had told the court Gda Daly could pay up to €3,000 to the courtto secure his release, but Judge Murphy it would be inappropriate for the court to accept such an offer.
Judge Murphy also refused an application for leave to appeal.
PA