Security guard tells trial of Strokestown four that he is former UDR member

A security guard testifying at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in a trial arising from the December 2018 Strokestown eviction told the court this week that he had previously served with the Ulster Defence Regiment and Royal Irish Regiment. Ian Gordon alleged he was attacked by approximately 30 people at a rural property near Strokestown, Co Roscommon, and forced at gunpoint to consume animal faeces. The prosecution case alleges the group, some masked and armed with various weapons, assaulted four security personnel, set vehicles ablaze, and fatally injured a guard dog. Four men have pleaded not guilty to a combined 53 charges including aggravated burglary, false imprisonment, assault causing harm, arson, violent disorder, robbery and animal cruelty. Under cross-examination, Mr Gordon acknowledged his security company operated without a required licence and that he was subsequently prosecuted. He maintained he recognised one defendant's voice during the incident. The trial before Judge Martina Baxter and jury continues.