Courts / Dublin / Report

Garda received between 25 and 30 stitches, trial of soldier accused of assaulting five gardai hears

Date
2014-10-20

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

The trial of Naoise Conarain, a 22-year-old Dublin soldier, is ongoing at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court before Judge Patrick McCartan and a jury. Conarain, of Kilnamanagh, has pleaded not guilty to charges of assaulting five gardai at his home on March 10, 2013. The accused denies assaulting Gardaí Andrew Quinn and Fiachra Molloy, causing them harm, as well as assaulting Gardaí Ross Foy, Kevin Keane, and Simon Butler on the same date. Testimony from Garda Quinn indicated he received between 25 and 30 stitches to his lip after allegedly being punched in the face while attempting to arrest a male who had assaulted a colleague. Quinn stated he was non-compliant and resistant, requiring physical restraint. He reported attending six counselling sessions and receiving sleeping tablets following the incident. Under cross-examination, Quinn described his actions as assertive rather than aggressive. Garda Kevin Keane described the scene as chaotic, alleging Conarain was screaming, shouting, and holding a blue disposable razor while attacking Quinn. Footage captured on an iPhone was shown to the jury. The matter remains at the trial stage and has not been finalised.