Courts / Dublin / Report

Dubliner alleges riot gardai broke his shoulder 17 years ago

Summary

Gerard McCarthy, 55, has sworn in a jury at the High Court to pursue a claim against the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána, the Minister for Justice, Ireland and the Attorney General. He alleges that on Halloween night 2008, while cycling to investigate two fires near his partner's home on Findlater Street, he was assaulted by gardaí in riot gear. McCarthy, who was 38 at the time, says he was struck on both shoulders, his back and legs by a group of 10 to 12 riot police while still on his bicycle. He reports that the attack lasted between five and ten seconds and that up to five officers with shields and helmets used batons. He was taken to Mater Hospital that night, later had an X‑ray that showed a broken shoulder near the collarbone, and claims he was left numb and in shock.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Dubliner alleges riot gardai broke his shoulder 17 years ago. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• October 31 Incident
• November 1, 2008 Incident
• October 31, 2008 Incident
• 2025-06-24 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

Related court reports

• Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
• Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
• Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
• 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
• Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
• 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'

Read the original CNI report