Man who assaulted garda sergeant claims he is being “set up” and “framed”

A Mayo man convicted of assaulting a garda sergeant has maintained his innocence, claiming he was "set up" and "framed" by gardaí. Joseph Doocey, aged 51, from Knoxbarret in Ballina, was found guilty by jury verdict in October of eleven counts including assault causing harm to Sergeant Declan Casey, dangerous driving, and criminal damage following a hit-and-run incident on June 8, 2015 near Font Cross, Ballina. The incident involved Doocey's vehicle striking Sergeant Casey at a checkpoint, subsequently reversing over him, and driving dangerously before being abandoned near Killala. Doocey testified that gardaí had conducted a prolonged campaign against him and alleged witnesses were planted and evidence tampered with. His legal representative described him as fundamentally honest, though acknowledging his strong opinions. Sentence finalisation was adjourned at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court pending Doocey's agreement to cease any hostile conduct towards Sergeant Casey and his family. Doocey remained remanded in custody.