A detective garda, who showed "incredible bravery" after he had a loaded gun pointed at him during a bank robbery in Dublin eight-and-a-half years ago, has been awarded almost €70,000 damages in the High Court.

Mr Justice Bernard Barton said Detective Garda Robert Reilly had acted with courage during a totally frightening experience as he went on with his duty and confronted the two heavily-disguised armed robbers who were leaving the bank.

Judge Barton said that on 3 June 2006, Detective Reilly had answered a radio call for assistance after a member of the public had reported a bank robbery was taking place at the AIB branch in Crumlin.

He told the Garda Compensation hearing that Detective Reilly followed the robbers, into a nearby car park as they attempted to escape in a car.

Detective Reilly, who was armed, had stopped a couple of metres away from the robbers' car and had requested them to drop their guns.

The man in the passenger's seat had got out and had threatened to shoot Detective Reilly.

The judge said Detective Reilly, who believed his life was at risk as the man was still pointing the gun at him, dived for cover, and discharged a shot, lodging a bullet in one of the car doors.

Reinforcement officers had arrived and the men were eventually taken into custody and later arrested.

Judge Barton said Detective Reilly had relived the incident on numerous occasions as he had to attend court hearings when the men were applying for bail.

Detective Reilly, who had later started to "ruminate" on the incident, had developed post-traumatic stress disorder for which he had needed counselling and medication. His condition had improved.

Judge Barton said Detective Reilly had been promoted this year and was hoping to become an inspector in the future.

The judge, awarding him €68,636 damages, said Detective Reilly had learned that a decoration for bravery had been recommended, but he had never received any formal award.