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Man accused of impersonating Garda and trying to get woman into car gave 'fantastical' account, prosecution says
Summary
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, a 33‑year‑old builder, Declan McGowan, was accused of assaulting a man and attempting to coerce a woman into his car while claiming to be a Garda. The prosecution described McGowan's account as "fantastical," asserting that when the woman's husband, Daniel Ion, intervened, McGowan "flew into a rage" and assaulted him. McGowan denied assaulting the woman, stating he never touched her and that he had only tried to protect her from the husband. He also denied impersonating a Garda, claiming any reference to being a Garda was a misunderstanding due to a language barrier. McGowan pleaded not guilty to attempted coercion, assault, impersonation of a Garda, and assault of Mr. Ion. The case remains at the trial stage, with jurors set to deliberate after the judge's instructions.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man accused of impersonating Garda and trying to get woman into car gave 'fantastical' account, prosecution says. Charges or matters: attempted coercion of Ms Calauz, assaulting her, impersonating a member of An Garda Síochána and assaulting Mr Ion causing him harm. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- September 18 Incident
- 2022-03-03 Publication
Why: He said that he never told anyone he was a garda and said this may have been a misunderstanding because of a "massive language barrier". CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: attempted coercion of Ms Calauz, assaulting her, impersonating a member of An Garda Síochána and assaulting Mr Ion causing him harm (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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