A garda sergeant who assaulted a member of the public has lost a High Court action to stop her dismissal from the the force.

Martha McEnery was deemed 'unfit for retention' after receiving a four month suspended sentence at Waterford Circuit Court in 2011 for assaulting Anthony Holness in the course of his arrest.

She subsequently challenged her summary dismissal on the grounds that her conviction did not absolve the Garda Commissioner from holding an inquiry.

The High Court has found there can be no doubt as to the reason for her dismissal, given that the breach of discipline was of such gravity.