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Man sues State after gardai raided wrong flat
Summary
In July 2015, Francis Foster, 58, sued the Garda Commissioner and the State after a Garda Emergency Response Unit mistakenly raided his council‑owned flat on Nicholas Street. Foster alleged that at 6:30 am on 19 July 2013, three Gardaí in full SWAT/riot gear smashed the front door, shouted at him, pushed him onto his bed, and pointed guns at his head and neck. He claimed he was only recognised as a civilian after he identified himself, after which the officers left, damaging the door. Foster said the incident caused him trauma, panic attacks, flashbacks and post‑traumatic stress disorder, and that he had to sleep with a sofa against the door. He seeks damages, including aggravated and exemplary damages. The Gardaí, represented by John Rogers SC, deny the assault allegations but admit they entered the wrong dwelling. The case is before a jury presided by Mr Justice John Hedigan.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man sues State after gardai raided wrong flat. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- July 19th, 2013 Other
- 2015-07-01 Publication
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