Teen Tackled After Gardaí Shouted ‘Knife
Garda Accused of Excessive Force as Witness Accounts Clash in Dublin Court
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Dublin, Ireland – A trial examining allegations of excessive force during an arrest has heard conflicting witness testimonies, painting a complex picture of events that transpired on June 1st, 2021. The proceedings, before Judge Pauline Codd, centre on an incident were the complainant sustained a head injury following his apprehension by gardaí.
Conflicting Recollections Emerge in Court
The court heard from several witnesses who were present during the arrest. Ms. Fitzmaurice, who was socialising with friends, described hearing a startlingly loud sound. She confirmed hearing the phrase “where is the knife” being repeatedly said. Though,when pressed by Mr. McQuaid,counsel for the defense,regarding whether her friend Mr. Fitzpatrick heard “knife” before the complainant’s arrest, Ms. Fitzmaurice stated it was not her recollection. She acknowledged the passage of four years, admitting, “I cannot remember exactly the sequence of how it happened.”
Another witness,Eoghan Hickey,corroborated hearing one of the gardaí repeatedly say “drop the knife.” He also described the complainant as appearing “limp” when being placed into a garda van. Mr. McQuaid highlighted a discrepancy between Mr. Hickey’s oral testimony and his official statement, which detailed the complainant being “pushed against the wall and gardaí shouted where is the knife and then slammed him to the ground.” Mr. Hickey confirmed the contents of his statement, agreeing that the complainant was upright when the shouts of ”where is the knife” were heard.
Investigator Details DPP Referral
Donal Grant, an investigator with Fiosrú (formerly GSOC), provided evidence regarding the initiation of the investigation. The matter came to his attention following a report that the complainant had suffered a head injury during his arrest. Mr. grant outlined the subsequent steps, including the collection of CCTV footage, witness statements, and two interviews with Mr.murphy, the garda involved.
The investigation culminated in a report being submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who afterward directed a prosecution.
Garda’s Account of Arrest
Two statements from Mr. Murphy were read to the jury, detailing his account of the events on June 1st, 2021. Mr. Murphy stated he attended to assist a colleague dealing with the complainant. he instructed the complainant to remove his hands from his pockets, but the complainant allegedly tensed up and failed to comply.
According to Mr. Murphy’s statement, the complainant then produced a glass bottle in a manner that Mr. Murphy perceived as a threat. The bottle was subsequently removed from the complainant’s hand, and he was informed he was under arrest.
The complainant was placed on the ground, with one handcuff applied. His second hand was reportedly under him as he resisted arrest. Mr. Murphy stated he managed to secure the second hand and complete the handcuffing.His statement also indicated the complainant was spitting towards him,necessitating the request for prisoner transport.
Mr. Murphy then stood the complainant up, instructing a gathered crowd to ”get back,” which they did not do. He expressed feeling unsafe for both himself and the arrested individual. He described having his hand on the complainant’s back when he felt a shift in weight, leading him to perform a “leg sweep.” The complainant’s side and head then made contact with the ground.
Mr. Murphy asserted that he visually checked the complainant and that at no point was he unconscious. He reiterated the request for prisoner transport and for a doctor to be called to Pearse Street garda Station.
The trial is ongoing.