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"We were under no illusions, it was going to be violent": sergeant gives evidence in garda's assault trial

Date
2019-12-09

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin City

County
Dublin

Summary

The trial of Garda Sergeant Sean Lucey began in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 9 December 2019. Lucey pleaded not guilty to assault causing harm to RTÉ cameraman Colm Hand and to damaging a camera on 6 February 2016. The prosecution, led by Fiona McGowan, explained that Gardaí were aware of a Pegida rally and a counter‑rally by anti‑racism groups on Cathedral Street. They were tasked with preventing confrontation. Sergeant Derek Fleming testified that the situation escalated into violence, with protesters wearing balaclavas and face masks, some attempting to attack Gardaí with fists and to seize batons. Fleming described the deployment of soft‑cap units and later fully kitted units, the use of batons as a last resort, and the eventual dispersal of the crowd after about 30 minutes. The case is expected to last five days before Judge Melanie Greally.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "We were under no illusions, it was going to be violent": sergeant gives evidence in garda's assault trial. Charges or matters: one count of assault causing harm to Colm Hand at Cathedral Street, Dublin city centre on February 6, 2016; damaging a camera on the same date. Procedural stage: trial

When:

February 6, 2016 Incident
2019-12-09 Publication

Case subjects

Sean Lucey

Accused

Charges: one count of assault causing harm to Colm Hand at Cathedral Street, Dublin city centre on February 6, 2016; damaging a camera on the same date (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty