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State settles case over alleged assault by gardai in riot gear

Summary

The State settled a claim by Gerard McCarthy, 55, who alleged that Gardaí in riot gear assaulted him and broke his shoulder while he was cycling to investigate fires near his partner's home on Findlater Street, Dublin, on Halloween night 2008. McCarthy, who was 38 at the time, said he was struck on both shoulders, his back and legs by 10–12 Gardaí in riot gear during a brief attack lasting five to ten seconds. He was taken to Mater Hospital, later had an X‑ray showing a broken shoulder near the collarbone, and reported numbness and shock. The case was brought before Justice Alexander Owens, who struck it out, with no trial costs awarded and no costs imposed on the plaintiff. The settlement was confirmed by counsel for both parties on 27 June 2025.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: State settles case over alleged assault by gardai in riot gear. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• October 31 Incident
• November 1, 2008 Incident
• October 31, 2008 Incident
• 2025-06-27 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report