RTÉ broadcaster Cathal Mac Coille, the former presenter of Morning Ireland on Radio 1, was hit over the head with bolt cutters after going to the aid of a man whose bike was being stolen.
The bike thief fled the scene on foot but was caught despite jumping into the Royal Canal in a bid to get away from gardai.
Details of the dramatic incident emerged in court today when Gary Gibson (28), Upper Dorset Street Flats, Dorset Street, Dublin, appeared before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
He was facing charges relating to the assault of Mr Mac Coille and the attempted theft of the bicycle on July 3rd, 2018.
Gibson pleaded guilty to both charges and also pleaded guilty to possession of a Stanley knife later the same day. He was sentenced to 2½ years in prison with one year suspended.
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The court was told that Gibson was trying to steal the
bike on Phibsborough Road on the day in question when its owner called out for
help.
Mr Mac Coille was passing at the time and when he heard
the shouts he went to the aid of the bike’s owner.
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He was hit on the head by Gibson who used a bolt cutters
as a weapon to lash out at Mr Mac Coille.
Gibson then ran off as another man also intervened.
However, two gardai saw the incident and chased Gibson.
He then ran down towards the canal and jumped into the
water but was blocked on the other side by gardai.
A stand-off ensued before Gibson eventually got out of
the water and was arrested by the gardai waiting for him.
The court was told Gibson had taken tablets on the day
and while his memory was hazy he said he struck out to defend himself as people
intervened.
He had a job and claimed he was stealing the bike to use
to get to work. His employer offered a reference to the court describing Gibson
is a very reliable worker.
The court was also told Gibson, a father of four, had 28
previous convictions including for burglary and gun crime.
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