Courts / Dublin / Report

Closing speeches in garda assault trial

Date
2020-09-04

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In the trial of Jonathan Coelho, 29, and Federico Carvalho, 31, the jury heard closing speeches after the defendants were charged with assault causing harm to Garda Conor Murray. The incident occurred on 31 July 2019 when the car, driven by Coelho, reversed at speed with Garda Murray hanging out of the passenger window. Coelho pleaded guilty to dangerous driving charges, admitting he drove at speed through red lights and in the wrong direction, but denied the endangerment charge. Carvalho denied striking the Garda. Garda Murray described being pulled half‑inside the vehicle, the driver kicking him repeatedly, and being thrown from the car after a final kick. The prosecution argued that CCTV and witness testimony proved the defendants' guilt, while the defence contended that the Garda's actions and the defendants' intentions were misrepresented. The jury will be instructed by Judge Melanie Greally on Monday.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Closing speeches in garda assault trial. Charges or matters: charges of assault causing harm to Gda Murray on July 31, 2019 at St Lukes' Avenue, Dublin 8; a number of charges of dangerous driving. Procedural stage: trial

When:

July 31, 2019 Incident
2020-09-04 Publication

Why: In his garda interview, Mr Coelho said that he didn't stop the car for gardai because he had no insurance. CNI source report

Case subjects

Federico Carvalho

Defendant

Charges: charges of assault causing harm to Gda Murray on July 31, 2019 at St Lukes' Avenue, Dublin 8; a number of charges of dangerous driving (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Jonathan Coelho

Defendant

Charges: charges of assault causing harm to Gda Murray on July 31, 2019 at St Lukes' Avenue, Dublin 8; a number of charges of dangerous driving (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty