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Public order garda tells trial he feared for his safety

Summary

The prosecution case has closed in the trial of Garda Sean Lucey, who has pleaded not guilty to one count of assault causing harm to Colm Hand and damaging his camera at Cathedral Street, Dublin city centre, on February 6, 2016. Lucey, a 42-year-old garda stationed at Crumlin Village and Sundrive Road, was detailed to a public order unit during confrontations between protesters and gardaí. On the fourth day of the trial, before Judge Melanie Greally and a jury, the prosecution called Garda Colm McGagen, who stated he feared for his safety amid an aggressive crowd with covered faces. McGagen testified that he did not use his baton to strike anyone and that he gently moved freelance photographers, including the complainant, on 15 occasions for their safety. He noted he did not know Hand was an RTÉ cameraman. Dr Ciara O'Carroll testified that she examined Hand on February 8, 2016, finding a bruise on his upper right thigh and no other injuries. She prescribed sleeping tablets and declared him unfit for work for one week, though he had returned to work by April. The trial continues.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Public order garda tells trial he feared for his safety. Charges or matters: one count of assault causing harm to Colm Hand at Cathedral Street, Dublin city centre on February 6, 2016 and to damaging his camera. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• February 6, 2016 Incident
• February 6 Hearing Or Sentence
• February 8, 2016 Other
• 2019-12-11 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Public Order Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report