Courts / Longford / Report

'Bite them Buster': gardai attacked by man with Pit bull, trial hears

Date
2020-09-10

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Longford

Summary

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard evidence in the trial of Dubliner Brian Farrell, who has pleaded not guilty to possession of a claw-hammer and knuckleduster and assaulting two gardai on Sallynoggin Road on October 16, 2016. Garda Garvan Allen testified that he saw the accused emerge from a house holding a pit bull terrier aloft in one hand and a claw hammer in the other. The garda alleged that as officers attempted to arrest him, Farrell shouted instructions to the dog, including "Get them Buster, bite them Buster." Farrell denies any dogs were present that evening. Allen described a melee during which Farrell violently resisted arrest, kicking and scratching officers, resulting in one garda drawing blood. A black metal knuckleduster was found in Farrell's pocket, and a claw-hammer was seized. In cross-examination, defense counsel Eoghan Cole BL presented Farrell's account that he was recording the scene with a phone and torch when tackled by three gardai, claiming he was struck and punched. Allen disputed this, maintaining all violence originated from Farrell. Allen acknowledged that only Farrell had medical evidence of injuries. The trial continues before Judge Martin Nolan and a jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Bite them Buster': gardai attacked by man with Pit bull, trial hears. Charges or matters: possession of a claw-hammer and knuckleduster and assaulting two gardai at Sallynoggin Road on October 16, 2016. Procedural stage: trial

When:

October 16, 2016 Incident
2020-09-10 Publication

Why: Mr Cole put it to him that Mr Farrell denies there was dogs at the premise and that his dogs had been moved because there was fears for their safety. CNI source report