A garda who struck an RTÉ cameraman with a baton during a rally in Dublin three years ago has been found guilty of assault.

Sean Lucey, a member of the Public Order Unit, had pleaded not guilty to assault causing harm to cameraman Colm Hand.

Lucey, 42, with an address in south Dublin, was found not guilty of damaging a camera at Cathedral Street on 6 February 2016.

The incident occurred as Mr Hand and a colleague were working at a demonstration and counter rally in Dublin by the far-right group Pegida and anti-racism groups.

Mr Hand's camera was struck and he was then hit in the groin by Lucey.

The prosecution said Lucey acted out of aggression, having broken away from the garda line to strike Mr Hand.

He first struck from behind, hitting the camera on Mr Hand's shoulder.

Mr Hand then turned to face the garda line and was struck in the groin.

He suffered 5cm by 4cm bruising to his inner thigh. His phone screen was also smashed by the blow.

Prosecuting counsel said it was manifestly clear that Mr Hand was working as a broadcast cameraman on the day and was not part of the protest.

His colleague Colman O'Sullivan told the court he had shouted to gardaí that they were press and were getting out of the way.

Defence lawyers said Lucey had acted precisely in accordance with his training and used reasonable force.

He said Mr Hand was wearing ordinary clothes and was not wearing any RTÉ logos or protective clothing.

They said Mr Hand had not complied with garda directions to move back.

The jury was told the use of reasonable force is lawful to protect oneself or to prevent a crime.

They were asked to consider if the garda had an honest belief about the risk of injury or assault or the commission of a crime.

After deliberating for two hours and 46 minutes, the jury found him guilty of assault by a ten-two majority, and not guilty of causing damage to the camera.

He will be sentenced on 7 February. He was remanded on continuing bail.